Sisu: Road to Revenge (2026) movie review explores the film’s intense action, gripping performances, and raw revenge-driven story. Read a spoiler-free review, verdict, and rating.
Sisu: Road to Revenge (2026) — Movie Review
Sisu: Road to Revenge, directed by Jalmari Helander, delivers an explosive follow-up to the 2022 cult hit Sisu. This 2025 action sequel throws audiences into a relentless chase across hostile territory, blending brutal spectacle with grim humor. Praised by critics and fans alike, it has quickly become one of the most talked-about action films of the year.
Plot & Setup
In Road to Revenge, Jorma Tommila returns as Aatami Korpi, nicknamed “the man who refuses to die.” After his family is brutally killed during war and his home is destroyed, Korpi dismantles the house beam by beam and loads it onto a truck to rebuild elsewhere in their honor. However, his actions draw the ire of Igor Draganov—a ruthless Red Army commander played by Stephen Lang—who is hell-bent on finishing what he started. What follows is an almost nonstop series of set pieces as Korpi fights, crashes, and barrels his way through enemy territory.
Action That Never Lets Up
If you came for violence, this sequel delivers in spades. Critics and audiences alike note the film’s inventive and unapologetically bloody action sequences, which are both shocking and, at times, darkly humorous. The creative choreography of battles—ranging from hand-to-hand fights to large-scale vehicular destruction—keeps the adrenaline high throughout its brisk 89-minute runtime.
Many reviewers compare the energy of Road to Revenge to classics like Mad Max: Fury Road and John Wick, citing its near–nonstop momentum and wildly imaginative combat scenes. It’s a blend of gritty war thriller and over-the-top action spectacle that rarely pauses for breath.
Performance & Characters
Jorma Tommila’s portrayal of Korpi is a standout. With almost no dialogue, he communicates through sheer physical presence and steely resolve—making his silent fury a central pillar of the film. Stephen Lang’s antagonist also adds gravitas, delivering chilling and unpredictable villainy that elevates the stakes.
Supporting characters make brief but memorable appearances, often enhancing the narrative’s bleak tone with gritty realism or darkly comic relief. While the plot itself isn’t deeply layered, these performances give it life beyond simple action fodder.
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Visuals, Style & Sound
Cinematography and sound design deserve special mention. The stark Nordic landscapes provide a haunting backdrop that contrasts with the chaos of the action. Minimal dialogue places greater impact on sound—every explosion, grunt, and engine roar contributes to an immersive experience that keeps viewers hooked.
The film’s visual identity leans into practical effects and kinetic editing, making the outlandish set pieces feel grounded within their own wild logic. It’s this confident style that turns absurdity into excitement rather than distraction.
Critical Reception & Audience Response
Critically, Sisu: Road to Revenge has been very well received. It holds a strong score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its action choreography and refusal to slow down. Metacritic also reflects generally favorable reviews, noting that while the film doesn’t aim for deep thematic exploration, it excels at what it sets out to do—deliver a relentless action experience.
Audience feedback echoes this sentiment: many viewers appreciate the high-octane thrills and inventive violence, though some note its over-the-top antics and thin plot may not appeal to everyone.
Conclusion
Sisu: Road to Revenge is not your average action sequel—it’s a chaotic, gleefully violent ride that wears its excess as a badge of honor. Anchored by a commanding performance from Jorma Tommila and filled with unforgettable action set pieces, it stands as one of 2025’s most entertaining entries in the genre. Whether you view it as a sensory overload or pure cinematic fun, it’s a film that refuses to be ignored.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
Beyond the explosions and bone-crunching fights, Sisu: Road to Revenge (2026) carries a surprisingly strong thematic core. At its heart, the film explores the idea of endurance beyond logic. Aatami Korpi is not fighting because he expects to win—he fights because stopping is not an option. This mindset reflects the true meaning of “sisu”: continuing forward even when survival seems irrational.
Revenge in the film is not glorified as a noble act. Instead, it is portrayed as exhausting, isolating, and destructive. Every victory costs Korpi something—blood, energy, or humanity. The film subtly asks whether vengeance is worth the price, even when it feels justified.
Direction and Storytelling Approach
Director Jalmari Helander once again proves his mastery of visual storytelling. The film relies heavily on show, don’t tell. Dialogue is sparse, and exposition is minimal, allowing the audience to piece together emotions through movement, expression, and action.
The pacing is deliberately relentless. There are very few quiet moments, and when they appear, they feel tense rather than calm. This approach keeps viewers locked in Korpi’s mindset—always alert, always moving, never safe.
Cinematography and Visual Impact
Visually, Sisu: Road to Revenge is striking. The bleak landscapes, dusty roads, and war-torn environments create a world that feels both brutal and authentic. Wide shots emphasize isolation, while tight close-ups trap the viewer in moments of pain and determination.
The use of practical effects over heavy CGI gives the action a raw, physical feel. Explosions feel dangerous, stunts feel risky, and violence feels heavy—exactly as it should in a film rooted in survival rather than spectacle alone.
Action Choreography and Intensity
Action is the film’s strongest weapon, and it never dulls. Each fight scene is crafted to feel different, avoiding repetition despite the film’s constant motion. Whether it’s hand-to-hand combat, vehicular chaos, or large-scale destruction, the choreography remains inventive and aggressive.
What sets the action apart is its lack of glamour. Korpi doesn’t look cool while fighting—he looks desperate, battered, and driven. This realism makes the violence more impactful and emotionally engaging.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Relentless, high-energy action
- Powerful visual storytelling
- Strong lead performance with minimal dialogue
- Unique tone that stands out in the genre
Weaknesses:
- Thin narrative depth for viewers seeking complex storytelling
- Over-the-top violence may not appeal to all audiences
- Limited character development beyond the protagonist
While the film doesn’t aim to be emotionally subtle, it succeeds completely within its chosen lane.
How It Compares to the Original Sisu
Compared to the original Sisu, Road to Revenge is bigger, louder, and more chaotic. The sequel expands the scope of action while maintaining the same gritty spirit. Some may prefer the raw simplicity of the first film, but others will appreciate the sequel’s bold escalation.
Rather than repeating the original formula, the film amplifies it—turning endurance into near-mythic resilience.
Final Verdict
Sisu: Road to Revenge (2026) is a brutal, unapologetic action film that knows exactly what it is and never pretends to be anything else. It’s loud, violent, relentless, and strangely inspiring in its depiction of human endurance.
If you enjoy raw action, minimal dialogue, and stories driven by sheer willpower, this film delivers an unforgettable ride. It may not satisfy viewers looking for emotional warmth or layered drama, but for fans of intense revenge thrillers, it stands as one of the most powerful action experiences of its kind.
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
A savage, high-impact sequel that proves endurance can be the most dangerous weapon of all.
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