Why a 2018 vigilante thriller failed to impress critics despite Jennifer Garner's intense preparation
In short: Directed by Pierre Morel, the 2018 action film Peppermint follows a mother seeking vengeance against a drug cartel. While Jennifer Garner underwent rigorous physical training for the role, the film faced harsh critical reception, sparking debates about its lack of originality and its place in the modern action genre.
Peppermint tells the story of Riley North, a banker whose life is shattered when a drug cartel murders her husband and daughter. After a corrupt legal system fails to hold the perpetrators accountable, North vanishes, only to return five years later as a highly trained vigilante. The film, directed by Pierre Morel—known for his work on the Taken series—draws heavy inspiration from the Marvel Comics character Frank Castle, also known as the Punisher.
The production involved significant physical commitment from its lead. Jennifer Garner spent three months training in disciplines ranging from boxing and artillery to dance and stunt work, collaborating with her longtime double, Shauna Duggins. Despite this effort, the film struggled to resonate with critics. Upon its September 7, 2018 release, it earned a 13% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers frequently describing it as a clichéd, predictable, and unsubtle entry in the vigilante-revenge subgenre.
Commercially, the film was a modest performer. It grossed a total of $53.8 million worldwide against a production budget estimated between $22.8 million and $25 million. While it debuted at second place at the box office with $13.4 million, it was largely overshadowed by other releases. Critics like Emily Yoshida noted that while seeing a woman lead an action franchise might have once felt like progress, the film's reliance on tired tropes ultimately undermined its potential, leaving many to feel that Garner’s performance was wasted on a lackluster script.
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