Vengeance: A Love Story

When a brutal assault on a new friend rocks a tight knit community, Det. John Dromoor is unexpectedly tapped to lead the investigation. What starts as a straightforward case quickly tightens the screws as suspects pile up and the evidence threatens to point in conflicting directions. Dromoor handles the mounting pressure with a steady, ethically focused approach, trying to separate truth from rumor while navigating a web of personal loyalties and hidden agendas. As the trail grows cold and new testimonies complicate the picture, the detective must weigh the costs of pursuing justice against the risk of destroying innocent lives. The film keeps the tension tight without surrendering its moral questions. The city itself feels complicit, increasing the pressure immensely.

Directed by Johnny Martin, this adaptation traces its roots to Joyce Carol Oates and John Mankiewicz, with Nicolas Cage anchoring the standout cast. Released in 2017, the film marks Martin's foray into gritty thrillers for a tense noir tone overall.

The film grossed 14,940,116 worldwide, a figure that came in well short of its 28 million budget and its marketing expectations. While some markets opened cautiously, in several territories, the project was labeled a box office release in the end.

The film didn't leave a lasting mark on popular culture, but its stark portrayal of justice and corruption lingers with viewers who like procedural thrillers. The cold lighting, restrained score, and careful pacing reinforce the sense that characters act in gray areas rather than clear mindsets, under intense moral pressure.

Critics highlighted the film's stark look at truth under pressure and moral ambiguity of law enforcement choices. Cage's controlled performance stands out amid a tense setup, while the screenplay confronts how personal interests distort the pursuit of justice and fracture trust. It invites audiences to question certainty long after credits.