Maya Hawke’s Netflix Revenge Comedy Do Revenge Is Fast Becoming a Cult Classic

Netflix’s dark teen comedy Do Revenge has been quietly turning into a cult favorite, and it’s easy to see why. Starring Maya Hawke from Stranger Things and Camila Mendes from Riverdale, the 2022 film brings back everything fans love about ‘90s and early-2000s high school movies—the color, the chaos, and the cutting dialogue—while mixing in a modern edge. Directed and co-written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, with Celeste Ballard as co-writer, this revenge-fueled comedy blends the thrill of classic teen dramas with the bite of a modern dark satire.

Released on Netflix on September 16, 2022, Do Revenge is set in a glossy, elite prep school world where status rules everything. The story follows Drea (Camila Mendes), a once-popular girl whose social life crumbles after a private video leaks, and Eleanor (Maya Hawke), a newcomer haunted by a rumor that once destroyed her reputation. The two girls form an unusual alliance: they agree to take revenge on each other’s tormentors so that no one can trace the payback back to them.

The plot is loosely inspired by Patricia Highsmith’s 1950 novel Strangers on a Train and Alfred Hitchcock’s 1951 film adaptation, where two strangers swap revenge plots to avoid suspicion. Robinson reimagines that concept for a teenage setting, replacing murder with reputation warfare, online gossip, and public humiliation. The result is a sharp commentary on how social media and high-school hierarchies can make or break someone overnight.

Visually, Do Revenge is stunning. Robinson and her team built an aesthetic that feels like a love letter to movies such as Heathers, Jawbreaker, and Mean Girls. The pastel uniforms, vivid lighting, and colorful set design create an almost surreal high-school universe. The director told TIME that she wanted to channel “teenage rage” and the emotional intensity of growing up, capturing both the pain and absurdity of high-school drama.

The movie’s soundtrack is another highlight, combining nostalgic ‘90s and 2000s hits with current tracks to bridge generations of teen-movie lovers. Every song complements the film’s emotional beats—from the moments of betrayal to the scenes of empowerment.

Beyond its leads, the film’s supporting cast is impressive. It includes Austin Abrams, Talia Ryder, Rish Shah, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Sophie Turner, and others. Gellar, best known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer, plays the school headmaster—a smart nod to her own teen movie legacy.

Do Revenge reportedly had a budget of around $10 million and was filmed in 2021, after being first announced in October 2020 under the working title Strangers. Even with its modest budget, the movie looks and feels like a big-screen experience thanks to its high-gloss production design and sharp direction.

Critics and fans have praised the film’s mix of satire and sincerity. Vanity Fair called it a “stylish resurrection of the ‘90s teen movie,” while People listed it among the best comedies to stream on Netflix. The film’s energy—what Robinson calls “Glennergy,” inspired by actress Glenn Close’s fierce screen presence—has been celebrated for its originality and wit.

With its sharp writing, nostalgic flair, and standout performances, Do Revenge feels like a movie that will only grow in appreciation over time. It’s clever, confident, and unapologetically bold—exactly the kind of revenge comedy destined to earn cult classic status.