Peppermint (2018) delivers a visceral, emotionally charged revenge thriller anchored by Jennifer Garner's compelling performance as Riley North. When her husband and daughter are brutally murdered in a gang shooting and the corrupt justice system lets the killers walk free, Riley disappears for five years, only to re-emerge as a highly trained vigilante. Director Pierre Morel (Taken) crafts a tense, fast-paced narrative that balances raw emotional trauma with expertly choreographed action sequences.

Garner fully commits to the role, portraying Riley's transformation from grieving mother to relentless avenger with believable intensity. The film explores themes of systemic failure and personal justice, asking difficult questions about what happens when institutions fail the people they're meant to protect. While some critics noted familiar revenge thriller tropes, Peppermint distinguishes itself through Garner's grounded performance and the emotional weight behind each confrontation.

The action is brutal and efficient, with Riley methodically targeting not just the gang members but the corrupt officials who enabled them. The Los Angeles setting provides a gritty backdrop for this tale of urban vengeance. For viewers who enjoy female-led action films with emotional depth, Peppermint offers satisfying catharsis and solid entertainment value. Watch it for Garner's commanding return to action roles and a story that, while familiar in structure, delivers its justice-seeking narrative with conviction and well-executed tension.