Villain

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1:52

Villain

R

Released May 22, 2020

1h 37m

Action

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

71%

Tomatometer

24 Reviews

54%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

Released from prison, a man returns to his violent ways when a menacing drug lord threatens his indebted brother.

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Critics Consensus

Much like its taciturn hero, Villain isn't particularly flashy or creative about getting the job done, but it's still undeniably effective.

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Simon Abrams

RogerEbert.com

Nobody in this movie has a complex inner emotional life, so it's not surprising that the movie's ending is ridiculous.

Rated: 2/4

May 22, 2020

Full Review

Dennis Harvey

Variety

Brisk yet flavorful, gritty even when stylish, its occasional plot-logic leap smoothed over by a tone that deftly balances a resigned good humor with violent threat...

May 22, 2020

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Jeannette Catsoulis

New York Times

Any movie containing the line "You need to grab that hacksaw and start on his legs" is already halfway to winning me over, and Philip Barantini's "Villain" does not disappoint.

May 21, 2020

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Dave Golder

Radio Times

The film does feel oddly old-fashioned, though, merrily peddling UK crime drama tropes, and it doesn't have much profound to say beyond violence breeds violence.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 30, 2025

Full Review

Josh Parham

Next Best Picture

The script is hampered by conventions of the past without ever finding new methods to innovate, and it leaves the whole thing feeling languid in how it unfolds.

Rated: 4/10

Jun 5, 2022

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Ron Wilkinson

It's Just Movies

A predictable gangster family revenge film makes good.

Rated: 7/10

Jun 23, 2020

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Chris H

Worth a watch on a rainy afternoon. Violent, but in a late night TV kind of way. Craig Fairbrass delivers exactly what is required and it's nice to see Robert Glenister on the screen (his brother Philip is all over UK TV at the moment).

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/28/25

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James C

Was not expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised. What it lacks in gloss it makes up for in grit. A truly realistic exposition of life on the wrong side of the law. The characters are likewise believable and the acting exceptional at times. This comes together to create some truly visceral moments. Izuka Hoyle was brilliant in the final scene, and the directors choice to linger on such emotional moments is very powerful.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/18/24

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Thomas S

Well acted and a notch up from the usual London gangster film. Fairbrass carries it well

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/22/23

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Gary O

A street level hard man movie with personality and humanity which avoids the invulnerable fearless protagonist trope of Statham type movies. The story unfolds artfully with some striking camera work and editing, unusual for the genre.The violence still packs a punch and should still satisfy those looking for an action/ revenge movie.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/13/23

Full Review

Donna C

After a slow start this turns into a gripping stomach churner! You know it's going to end badly but you don't expect this! Well worth watching. Craig Fairbrass is excellent as the wronged brother who tries to do right by his family.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/30/23

Full Review

Shane U

Started off like it was going somewhere. Nice to have a tragedy, but I didn't feel much for a villain who'd been out of jail for a week and went right back to crime. A little focus on some characters that mattered would have been better.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/27/23

Full Review

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Philip Barantini

Director

Craig Fairbrass

Eddie Franks

Robert Glenister

Roy Garrett

Nicholas Aaron

Steve

Izuka Hoyle

Chloe Franks

Tomi May

Johnny Garrett

Lucky Day

9%

41%

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There Are No Saints

27%

30%

There Are No Saints

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for There Are No Saints

Becky

72%

54%

Becky

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Pursuit

8%

9%

Pursuit

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for Pursuit

Seized

%

41%

Seized

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Villain: Trailer 1

1:52

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Synopsis

Released from prison, a man returns to his violent ways when a menacing drug lord threatens his indebted brother.

Director: Philip Barantini
Producer: Bart Ruspoli
Screenwriter: Greg Hall, George Russo
Distributor: Saban Films
Production Co: Ascending Film
Rating: R (Pervasive Language|Drug Use|Some Sexual Material|Strong Violence)
Genre: Action, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): May 22, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 22, 2020
Runtime: 1h 37m

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