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Our Verdict
Sisu: Road to Revenge is an exhilarating ride from the opening scene to the closing credits. Director Jalmari Helander has amplified the originalās intensity, delivering spectacular action sequences that will leave audiences breathless. With standout performances by Jorma Tommila and Stephen Lang, alongside a compelling score, this revenge-driven sequel is nearly flawless.
Have you ever imagined what it would be like if Mad Max: Fury Road crossed paths with the Fast and the Furious series? Thatās precisely the essence of Jalmari Helanderās latest offering, Sisu: Road to Revenge.
With a week to explore every nuance, I still couldnāt convey the wild rides that Road to Revenge delivers at breakneck speed. Itās one of those cinematic experiences best enjoyed on the largest screen, surrounded by a raucous crowd, and with minimal spoilers.
The predecessor film follows Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila) on a quest to retrieve gold amidst Nazi-occupied Finlandāan entertaining premise but one that ultimately felt incomplete. It was promising brutality and intensity but left viewers craving a deeper narrative.
With Road to Revenge, audiences will find that scrumptious āmoreā they longed for, offering overwhelming moments that beckon cheers and applauseālike those experienced at Fantastic Festāwhere Aatami bulldozes through obstacles as if they were mere blades of grass. I could underline so many notes, as specific moments in the film warrant attention for their sheer audacity.
Second Verse Much Bolder than the First
In a fitting evolution, Road to Revenge charts a more personal journey compared to its predecessor. Set in 1946, the film sees Aatami returning to the ruin of his family home, destroyed cruelly during WWII. The battle-hardened soldier methodically dismantles his home, intent on transporting its wood to Finland to build a new life with his loyal dog.
But the Soviet Army, particularly the ruthless Igor Draganov (Stephen Lang), isnāt about to let him have peace.
Draganov bears the burden of Aatamiās familyās blood on his hands, and heās released from captivity with one mission: to eliminate the man whose legend has destabilized their power after the war. Opposing Aatami will prove perilous, as heās no match for the unstoppable survivor now on his trail.
ā¦the visuals are so striking that one might actually believe in the physical feats that unfold through Aatamiās journey.
Sisu: Road to Revenge unfolds across five stunning chapters, each more outrageous than its predecessor. The filmās action set pieces are breathtakingly chaotic, ramping up every thread of danger faced by Aatami and the extreme retribution he enacts against those who wronged him.
Visually, itās a feast for the eyes. Each surreal and exaggerated action scene radiates a polished brilliance that keeps viewers engaged in Aatamiās improbable deeds, refreshing a firm belief in the showās physical laws.
Moreover, what lifts Sisu: Road to Revenge beyond mere spectacle is its emotional core. Tommilaās brooding performance portrays a man not just seeking revenge, but yearning for restoration after the horrific losses of war. He goes beyond a man merely chasing gold; heās portrayed as a grief-stricken soul trying to reclaim his shattered life from ashes.
Aatami, determined to find tranquility, gazes onward.
Beauty in Sound and Silence
The stark contrast between violence and emotional depth within the filmās narrative demands a compelling score. Although the composer remains unannounced ahead of its worldwide release on 21 November 2025, they have magnificently enhanced each scene, accentuating the leadās voicelessness and making the action resonate.
While much of the film delivers a loud and chaotic energy, the climax serves as a poignant counterpoint. To hint at any spoilers would insult both you and the filmās artistry; suffice to say, Aatamiās conclusion resonates like a rich tapestry woven through his journeyāa fitting tribute for those who accompany him this far.
Aatami navigates his emotional turmoil as he stands by his truck.
Sony Pictures
Should You Watch Sisu: Road to Revenge?
Sisu: Road to Revenge emerged as my top film at Fantastic Fest, standing tall against worthy competitors like Black Phone 2 and Good Luck, Have Fun, Donāt Die. Itās grand where it ought to be, and intimate in all the right ways. Jorma Tommila delivers a performance that is simultaneously heartbreaking and powerful, while Stephen Lang perfectly embodies the villainous presence on-screen. Jalmari Helander has crafted something extraordinary hereājust buckle up for a truly wild ride.
Sisu: Road to Revenge hits theaters on 21 November 2025. UK fans can pre-order tickets from Odeon and Vue, while US fans can secure them via Atom Tickets and Fandango.
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