Jennifer Garner returns to the action genre in Peppermint, a film that seeks to showcase her undeniable talent in portraying strong, complex women, much like her iconic roles in Alias and Elektra. Garner's physicality and emotional depth are on full display, reminding audiences of why she became a household name in the first place. In Peppermint, she takes on the role of Riley North, a woman who loses everything and embarks on a journey of brutal vengeance.
From the outset, Garner's portrayal of a grieving mother turned vigilante hooks you in. There’s a raw intensity to her performance, and it’s clear she commits fully to the role, embodying the pain, anger, and determination of her character. Watching her transformation from a vulnerable victim to a fierce, calculated warrior had the potential to be both emotionally gripping and empowering.
However, while Garner shines in her role, the film itself doesn’t quite rise to meet her. The storyline treads familiar ground, leaning heavily on genre clichés without taking the time to explore the more intriguing facets of her character’s evolution. What I found most disappointing was how quickly Riley's transition from a heartbroken mother to a well-trained vigilante is glossed over. Instead of allowing us to dive into the psychological and physical toll such a transformation would take, the movie rushes through key moments, leaving audiences with more questions than answers. How did she acquire such formidable skills? What toll did her quest for revenge take on her humanity? These are the elements that could have given the film greater emotional depth and helped the audience connect more deeply with her journey.
The action sequences are relentless, and while they provide the kind of high-octane thrills you might expect, the film often feels cold and disconnected. The personal stakes established early on — the deep well of empathy built around Riley's loss — quickly fade, leaving behind a rather emotionless barrage of violence. Moments that should have been cathartic, deeply personal payoffs in her quest for retribution were instead glossed over or sacrificed for the sake of moving the plot forward. The result is a film that, at times, feels more mechanical than meaningful.
For fans of Garner’s work, Peppermint offers a glimpse of what she’s capable of, but it ultimately falls short of her earlier performances in Alias or even Elektra. It’s clear she deserves a script with more nuance, depth, and attention to the emotional complexities of her character. While Peppermint delivers on action and intensity, it lacks the heart and soul that could have made it truly memorable.
If you're in it for the fast-paced fight scenes and a tough, no-nonsense protagonist, you’ll find something to enjoy. But if you’re hoping for a deeper exploration of loss, vengeance, and the consequences of violence, Peppermint may leave you wanting more.
Fingers crossed we get that in a sequel! They definitely left us wanting more with that ending!