‘Wynonna Earp: Vengeance’ (2024) Movie Review - Feels Like Vengeance Against the Audience

Director Palo Barzman has come with his story and it doesn't look nice at all. So here is the gist of what happened.  Following the dramatic events of the original series, Wynonna Earp: Vengeance seeks to recapture the magic of its predecessor while exploring new directions for its beloved characters. Picking up with Team Earp scattered and attempting to live ordinary lives, the story focuses on Wynonna and Doc as they flee Purgatory to pursue their own version of a happily ever after. However, their new life together quickly veers into morally ambiguous territory. Channeling the reckless spirit of Bonnie and Clyde, the duo travels from casino to casino, engaging in schemes to hustle enough money to secure a stable future. Temporarily settling in Tombstone, Arizona—a location rich with the legacy of Wyatt Earp—they are haunted by the absence of their daughter, Alice. Her safety, ensured by sending her far from Purgatory’s demonic chaos, remains a source of emotional pain and incompleteness for Wynonna and Doc.

Back in the Ghost River Triangle, Nicole Haught has embraced her position as the newly-promoted sheriff. Enjoying the stability of married life with Waverly, the couple initially appears to have found peace after years of supernatural strife. However, this domestic bliss comes at a cost—their lives, once filled with danger and excitement, now feel stagnant. Purgatory, once teeming with paranormal threats, seems to have quieted down. This lull is short-lived, as a sinister new villain, played by Karen Knox, emerges with a deeply personal vendetta against Wynonna. This antagonist’s arrival shatters the town’s fragile calm and sets the stage for another epic showdown.

The introduction of the new villain is undeniably dramatic, marked by high stakes and shocking losses. Waverly, desperate to protect her family, calls her sister back to Purgatory. Reluctantly returning, Wynonna dons her signature leather jacket and straps on Peacemaker, ready to confront the evil brewing on her old stomping grounds. The town, however, meets her return with mixed feelings. While her unique skills are undeniably necessary, her unpredictable and chaotic nature makes it difficult for her to regain the trust of the Purgatory’s residents.

While Wynonna Earp: Vengeance offers moments of excitement and nostalgia, it is not without its flaws. The opening arc is too slow-paced, as the scattered characters initially lack the camaraderie and chemistry that defined the original series. The decision to position Wynonna and Doc as morally ambiguous antiheroes may alienate viewers who cherished their earlier, more redemptive portrayals. Additionally, the villain’s deeply personal grudge against Wynonna, while intriguing, can feel overly familiar—a trope recycled from previous seasons rather than a truly fresh threat.

The balance of humor and drama that once defined the series occasionally falters, with certain comedic moments feeling forced in the face of the more serious, personal stakes. Moreover, Nicole and Waverly’s storyline risks becoming sidelined, their domestic arc lacks the tension and vibrancy needed to sustain viewer interest.

Ultimately, Wynonna Earp: Vengeance walks a fine line between reinvigorating the series and rehashing familiar territory. While the film delivers action and character-driven moments, it sometimes struggles to reach the heights of its predecessor. Fans of the franchise may find enough to love, but others might view it as a mixed bag.

Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times