Despite the persistent negativity from the usual group of naysayers, toxic trolls, and a misogynistic fandom, I remain excited to see “The Marvels.” The film, which hit theaters on Nov. 10, has already earned $110 million worldwide in its opening weekend, according to The Numbers, a film industry data website that tracks box office receipts. .
As a lifelong nerd and devoted fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I opted to skip the opening weekend of “The Marvels.” Superhero fatigue has caught up with even someone as enthusiastic as me. Instead, I wrapped up the second season of “Loki” on Disney+ and explored a unique revenge thriller currently opening in limited theaters, starring Emile Hirsch, best known for his role in 2007’s “Into the Wild.”
Director: Mick Davis
Writer: Mick Davis
Stars: Emile Hirsch, Shane West, Kelli Garner
Directed by Mick Davis, “Walden” unfolds as a captivating character study of Walden Dean (Hirsch), a mild-mannered court reporter in a small Southern town. This bleak psychological drama teeters on the edge of tragedy and black comedy, challenging audiences with rewarding cathartic moments that challenge fundamental aspects of the rule of law.
Walden Dean, an exceptional court reporter, lives a seemingly simple life in a small southern town. Viewers quickly realize that he exhibits neurodivergent behavior, on the verge of breaking a world record in shorthand. However, Walden's commitment to his work goes beyond the courtroom, as he meticulously keeps records of each case, classifying them as “innocent” or “guilty” in his home. His anguish arises from the imperfections of the legal system that allow guilty parties to evade justice.
The film takes a dark turn when Walden is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Despite the operability of the tumor, he avoids immediate surgery, citing a busy schedule and the possible behavioral changes associated with his condition. At the same time, Walden discovers that a man previously sentenced to death for a gruesome crime against his daughter has been freed due to a procedural error. Walden's repressed anger resurfaces, triggering a dramatic shift from passive acquiescence to determined vigilantism.
As Walden embarks on a path of bloody retaliation while maintaining a seemingly calm demeanor, viewers gain insight into his personality through relationships with colleagues and friends. Parallel to the main narrative, detectives Billy Kane and Sally Hunt investigate a series of child abductions, leading to an unexpected twist that intertwines the two stories.
“Walden” is presented as a gritty revenge film with an unconventional avenger. Walden's pleasant exterior, along with his sensitivity and benevolence, endears him to viewers. At the same time, the film delves into the dark humor inherent in Walden's character, adding complexity to his strangeness. Set against a backdrop of Southern Gothic, “Walden” offers a unique perspective on vigilantism, exploring the moral ambiguity that is compounded when Walden takes justice into his own hands.
Embraced within this Southern Gothic context, “Walden” presents an intriguing vision of vigilantism. The protagonist, Walden, is a likeable character who provokes the audience's sympathy. Despite his sensitivity and unconditional benevolence toward those who deserve it, he succumbs to the anger simmering beneath the surface and seeks revenge when the legal system he admires fails to live up to his expectations.
At its core, “Walden” plays out like a superhero origin story, albeit without superpowers. Walden's sudden disregard for law and order when he aligns himself with its purpose introduces a moral ambiguity, a theme that is skillfully maintained throughout the film. There is no explicit recognition that Walden, like the legal system, is fallible.
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