John Wick and Red Reveal Shocking Revenge Plot Similarities

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It’s undeniable that the action movie genre has been given a fresh boost thanks to the innovative cinematography, pulse-pounding action sequences, and captivating lead character in the John Wick series. To put it simply, the story of an individual seeking revenge and redemption following a personal catastrophe isn’t exactly original, as it dates back to William Shakespeare’s play, Titus Andronicus. However, going beyond the simple revenge narrative, John Wick bears a striking resemblance to the 2008 thriller, Red.

Red,” a film adaptation of Jack Ketchum’s novel, stars Brian Cox, Tom Sizemore, Robert Englund, and Ashley Laurence. This story, set in the heartland of America, revolves around revenge. Similar to many of Ketchum’s works, the peaceful and picturesque landscape of Middle America transforms into a menacing backdrop filled with violence. The film also critiques Americana by deconstructing its ideals. “Red” delves into small-town politics, the urge for retribution, and the extremes one might reach to seek justice.

Horror in the Heartland and Deconstructing Americana

As a movie connoisseur delving into the realm of horror, I can’t help but draw a parallel between Jack Ketchum’s literary masterpieces and a blast of napalm to Norman Rockwell’s idyllic landscapes. His novels, such as “The Girl Next Door,” based on an actual event, ruthlessly tear down the facade of suburban peace and tranquility, puncturing the illusion with graphic brutality.

In “Off Season” and “The Woman,” Ketchum doesn’t shy away from dismantling the conventional family structure, laying the groundwork for unbridled carnage. His latest offering, “Red,” continues this tradition by painting a picture of a small town in the Pacific Northwest, a place where the symbols of serene life are meticulously crafted only to be systematically deconstructed in a vicious cycle of violence and retribution.

Living peacefully in his hometown, Avery Ludlow (portrayed by Brian Cox), a widower and proprietor of the local general store, spends a peaceful afternoon fishing with his loyal companion, Red, his dog. However, their tranquility is brutally shattered when three youngsters senselessly kill Red in cold blood, finding amusement in the act. This heartless act sets off a chain of events involving revenge and retribution, echoing a familiar pattern. With the McCormack family, led by patriarch Michael (Tom Sizemore), standing as the most influential clan in town, Ludlow is compelled to confront them.

In the story “Red“, the cycle of retribution stands out as a key element, yet it’s distinctly different from other tales due to its setting. The pursuit of vengeance, which echoes Western films, the John Wick series, and “Titus Andronicus“, unfolds in small-town America. Here, the McCormack family serves as a stand-in for an organized crime syndicate. Despite numerous obstacles, Ludlow’s quest for revenge is continually thwarted, as the McCormacks’ extensive influence shields their sons from accountability for their actions.

A Quest for Justice and Revenge

Moviegoers have consistently been drawn to films that heavily feature themes of revenge. The enduring appeal of Charles Bronson’s character Paul Kersey in Death Wish is a testament to this, as audiences can relate to an individual pushed to their limits due to personal hardship. However, unlike many popular revenge-themed movies, Red stands out by focusing not just on vengeance but also on the unlikely character of Ludlow and the complex politics of a small town he must navigate. Despite being an ordinary citizen, Ludlow takes on the most powerful figure in town using whatever resources are available to him to confront his wrongdoers.

Audience members can observe the intricate play of power and social status unfolding as McCormack appears to have unrestricted influence and malice. In the series Red, Ludlow resorts to unusual tactics like using media and self-reliance to seek retribution for a slain dog. The recurring violence in this show serves as a cautionary tale about holding onto old grudges leading to more damage than good, and finding revenge being more sour than sweet. The compelling acting by Cox and Sizemore adds depth to the portrayal of two contrasting figures entangled in a fierce, bitter conflict, set against a backdrop typically associated with peace.

Retribution in a New Environment

The resemblances between the movies John Wick and Red are quite apparent. Both stories share a common theme – the pursuit of vengeance when pushed beyond one’s limits, which is a familiar motif in numerous tales and cinematic works throughout history. Red stands out as an impressive adaptation of Jack Ketchum’s novel, serving as a cautionary tale that the thirst for revenge, however justified it may seem, can cause more harm than good.

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2025-05-18 18:32