🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Pierre Morel
- Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime, Drama
- Release year: 2018
- Runtime (length): 1h 41min
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10 (74k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 13%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Mom gets mad when the justice system fails after her family’s killed, so she becomes a one-woman army and solves all of LA’s problems with extreme prejudice and very sharp knives.
🍿 Peppermint: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Drive-By Shooting
Riley North, a struggling mother and wife, faces tragedy when her husband and daughter are murdered in a drive-by shooting orchestrated by drug lord Diego Garcia’s men. The attack occurs after her husband is approached about robbing Garcia, leading to the family being targeted.

System Failure and Vanishing
Despite identifying the perpetrators, Riley witnesses the corrupt justice system failing her as the judge, influenced by the cartel, dismisses the case. Enraged and betrayed, Riley attempts to attack the killers but is subdued and placed in a mental institution. She escapes and vanishes, embarking on a journey of transformation and revenge.

Five Years Later: A Vigilante Emerges
Five years later, Riley resurfaces as a highly skilled vigilante, systematically hunting down those responsible for her family’s death and the corruption that shielded them. She begins with the shooters and then escalates to the lawyers and the judge involved, drawing the attention of law enforcement and the FBI.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Riley North (Jennifer Garner): A woman who transforms into a vigilante after her husband and daughter are murdered and the legal system fails her.
- Diego Garcia (Juan Pablo Raba): The ruthless drug lord responsible for the murder of Riley’s family, becoming her primary target of revenge.
- Detective Moises Beltran (John Ortiz): A detective investigating Riley’s actions, torn between upholding the law and sympathizing with her quest for vengeance.
- Detective Stan Carmichael (John Gallagher Jr.): A corrupt detective secretly working for Diego Garcia, hindering the investigation and betraying his colleagues.
- FBI Agent Lisa Inman (Annie Ilonzeh): An FBI agent who joins the investigation and uncovers Riley’s activities, becoming an ally before being betrayed.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Riley North: “I’m gonna shoot you in your fucking face. And then I’ll pretty much figure it out from there.” – Riley says this defiantly over a walkie-talkie to Diego Garcia, signaling her unwavering resolve for revenge.
- Riley North: “Do you remember me?” – Riley says this to the person she is about to kill, while pointing a gun to his head.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $25,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $35,418,723
- Worldwide Gross: $53,918,723
💥 Peppermint Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into this expecting a mindless action flick, and honestly, that’s exactly what I got. Jennifer Garner is a total badass, and watching her take down the bad guys was so satisfying. The scene where she’s training and transforming into a weapon was amazing. The plot is super predictable, but sometimes you just want to see justice served, even if it’s fictional! I was totally entertained, even if it wasn’t high art.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Jennifer Garner’s action roles”
- “Viewers who enjoy vigilante thrillers”
- “Audiences looking for a straightforward revenge story”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence”
- “Strong language”
- “Drug use”
- “Themes of grief and revenge”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “”Peppermint” delivers predictable action beats but lacks depth in character development. Garner commits to the role, but the script offers little nuance beyond surface-level revenge tropes. A serviceable thriller, but far from memorable.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Though Jennifer Garner tries her best, “Peppermint” is ultimately a clichéd and uninspired vigilante flick. The plot is thin, the villains are cartoonish, and the action sequences, while plentiful, lack originality. A disappointing effort overall.
- IGN: “Jennifer Garner goes full action in Peppermint and delivers great violence, but the revenge plot is predictable, and the script is paper thin. It’s a fun popcorn movie to watch, but not very memorable after.
Audience Reactions
Jennifer Garner’s return to action was electrifying.: Viewers praised Jennifer Garner’s performance and the movie’s action sequences.
The movie provided cathartic satisfaction with its revenge theme.: Many enjoyed the film as a simple, exciting, and gratifying revenge story.
Overall Consensus: Despite some negative reviews from critics, many viewers enjoyed Peppermint as an entertaining action movie with a strong female lead.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Jennifer Garner underwent extensive training in MMA, knife fighting, and firearms to prepare for the physically demanding role of Riley North.”
- “The film’s title, ‘Peppermint,’ refers to the flavor of ice cream Carly orders just before the tragic drive-by shooting, symbolizing a moment of innocent happiness shattered by violence.”
🖥️ How to Watch Peppermint?
Peppermint is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. You can also rent or purchase it from these services. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Peppermint, you might like these similar films:
- Death Wish (1974): Classic vigilante film where a man seeks revenge after his family is attacked, a direct parallel to Riley’s motivation.
- Taken (2008): Features a protagonist with a specific set of skills relentlessly tracking down those who harmed his family, mirroring the action and determination in Peppermint.
- The Punisher (2004): A man whose family is murdered becomes a vigilante, brutally punishing criminals, sharing the theme of revenge and extrajudicial justice.
- John Wick (2014): Known for its stylish action and a protagonist driven by revenge, it captures a similar modern vigilante spirit.
🛒 Peppermint Related Products
- Peppermint [Blu-ray]: Own Peppermint on Blu-ray and relive all the action-packed moments. Features behind-the-scenes content and extended scenes.
- Jennifer Garner Signed Peppermint Movie Poster: A rare, authentic movie poster signed by Jennifer Garner. A valuable addition to any movie memorabilia collection.
- Female Assassin Training Program: Learn the basics of self-defense and fitness routines inspired by Riley North’s transformation. Includes training videos and fitness plans.
- Skid Row Guardian Angel T-Shirt: Show your support for Riley North with this t-shirt featuring the Skid Row Guardian Angel design.
🎧 Soundtrack
Peppermint features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Peppermint is a vigilante action thriller about a woman named Riley North who seeks revenge after her husband and daughter are murdered and the justice system fails her.
Peppermint was filmed in Los Angeles, California, with key scenes shot at locations such as The Pike Outlets in Long Beach.
No, Peppermint is a fictional story, though it draws on common themes found in vigilante and revenge thrillers.
🔥 Bonus Content
Jennifer Garner Failed to Surprise Her Fans at Her ‘Peppermint’ Movie Screening
Ever wonder what it’s like for actors to watch their own movies with an audience? Jennifer Garner shares a funny story about trying to surprise fans at a ‘Peppermint’ screening, and let’s just say, it didn’t go as planned! It’s pretty relatable, actually.
Peppermint (2018) Carnage Count
Curious how many people actually meet their end in ‘Peppermint’? This video breaks down all the deaths with a statistical “carnage count.” I know it sounds morbid, but it’s a surprisingly fascinating way to look at the film’s action!
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