Peppermint (2018) is a relentless action thriller that taps into primal themes of justice and vengeance. Directed by Pierre Morel (Taken), the film stars Jennifer Garner in a fierce, physically demanding role as Riley North, an ordinary woman transformed into a calculated instrument of retribution. After her husband and daughter are brutally murdered in a gang-related drive-by shooting, and the corrupt justice system allows the killers to walk free, Riley disappears for five years. She re-emerges not as a grieving widow, but as a highly trained vigilante, systematically hunting down everyone involved in the tragedy and the systemic corruption that protected them.

Garner delivers a compelling, gritty performance, fully committing to the physicality and emotional desolation of the role. The direction by Morel is taut and efficient, focusing on crisp action sequences and a steady escalation of tension rather than excessive exposition. While the plot follows a familiar revenge-thriller blueprint, the film's strength lies in its execution and Garner's believable transformation from victim to avenger. The supporting cast, including John Gallagher Jr. and John Ortiz, provide solid grounding in the procedural elements of the story.

Viewers should watch Peppermint for its satisfying, cathartic narrative of an underdog fighting back against impossible odds. It's a well-paced, action-driven film that doesn't shy away from its genre roots, offering a straightforward yet engaging tale of personal justice in a world where the system has failed. The action is brutal and effective, and Garner's portrayal gives the revenge fantasy a relatable, emotional core that resonates beyond the violence.