Duchess joins the tradition of revenge thrillers with a crucial distinction: its narrative centers on a woman who doesn’t just survive the system – she dominates it. Starring, co-written, and co-produced by Charlotte Kirk, the movie premieres in Brazil on Adrenaline Pure+, available through various digital platforms. Read Filmelier’s review and discover other female-led revenge films.
What’s Duchess about?
A rise-and-revenge story in the criminal underworld
The plot follows Scarlett, a small-time London thief trying to break into the diamond trade. After a dangerous, cinematic romance leaves her brutally betrayed and left for dead, she reinvents herself as “Duchess.” What follows is a classic underworld ascension story complete with shootouts, betrayals, and luxurious costumes.
Female empowerment in front of and behind the camera
Charlotte Kirk not only stars – she co-writes and produces. The actress transitions convincingly from victim to threat, though the script occasionally lacks emotional depth. Off-screen, her creative control makes this a compelling case study in female-driven genre filmmaking.
From horror to action: A partnership born in The Lair
Director Neil Marshall (The Descent, Game of Thrones episodes) previously collaborated with Kirk on horror movies The Reckoning and The Lair, but here delivers street-level action with clear nods to mafia classics.
Gangster movie influences
The narrative structure will feel familiar to fans of mob movies or antihero origin stories. Elements of Kill Bill, Scarface, Goodfellas, and even My Fair Lady appear – with a crucial twist: this feminine transformation comes through brutality rather than refined elegance.
Visual style: Grit meets glamour
The movie oscillates between two aesthetics: London’s grimy backalleys and sun-drenched Tenerife mansions. Marshall directs straightforward action sequences with occasional visual flair – particularly the juxtaposition of elegant costumes with brutal fight choreography.
Violence is visceral, highlighted by Kirk’s authentic boxing scenes (she trained extensively, as revealed in her exclusive Filmelier interview). Pacing suffers occasionally from choppy editing and expository dialogue.
Formulaic but fun
While sometimes generic (particularly in its Guy Ritchie-esque British gangster tropes), Duchess succeeds through its charismatic lead, stylish execution, and fresh feminine perspective on familiar archetypes.
This isn’t genre-redefining cinema, but delivers exactly what it promises: an entertaining revenge tale with visual sophistication and an unapologetically fierce protagonist. It may not break new ground, but makes a strong case for potential sequels.
Notable cast members
Alongside Kirk, the movie features:
- Philip Winchester (Chicago Justice) as the dangerous love interest;
- Sean Pertwee (Gotham’s Alfred);
- Hoji Fortuna (Brazil’s MMA: My Best Friend);
- Stephanie Beacham steals scenes as Charlie, a powerful mob boss originally written male. Beacham delivers intense, charismatic authority.
Where to watch Duchess
The film streams on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Tubi TV, The Roku Channel and VUDU Free. The movie is also available to buy and rent via Google Play Movies, Apple TV, and Fandango.
