In Samaritan (2022), director Julius Avery reimagines the superhero genre through a grounded, noir-tinged lens. The film stars Sylvester Stallone as Joe Smith, a grizzled garbage collector who harbors a powerful secret: he’s the long-lost vigilante known as Samaritan, believed to have died 25 years ago in a cataclysmic battle with his twin brother and nemesis, Nemesis.
Set in the crime-ridden city of Granite, the story unfolds through the eyes of 13-year-old Sam Cleary (Javon “Wanna” Walton), who suspects Joe might be the fallen hero in hiding. As the city teeters on the edge of collapse under the rule of a rising criminal named Cyrus (Pilou Asbæk), Sam draws Joe back into action. What follows is a mix of gritty action sequences, moral ambiguity, and a subtle exploration of redemption and legacy.
The film deserves praise for subverting superhero tropes. Rather than capes and glossy cities, Samaritan offers a world soaked in decay and moral fatigue. Stallone's performance is restrained and weighty, portraying a reluctant hero haunted by his past, one who isn’t just physically aged but emotionally broken. The chemistry between Stallone and Walton is heartfelt and natural, anchoring the story in human connection rather than spectacle.
While the film’s tone and grounded aesthetic are commendable, some critics argue that its pacing lags in the second act and that the villain feels underdeveloped. Still, the twist regarding Joe's true identity — that he was actually Nemesis, not Samaritan — adds a compelling layer of complexity. This revelation raises essential questions about identity, redemption, and the blurry lines between heroism and villainy.
Though Samaritan wrapped its story neatly, the twist ending opens the door for a darker, more introspective sequel — one the filmmakers have hinted at but not yet confirmed. In a potential sequel, Samaritan: Reckoning, we could follow Joe as he struggles with the legacy of Nemesis while trying to live up to the expectations of Sam and a city that still sees him as a symbol of hope. Meanwhile, a new antagonist could rise — perhaps a disciple of the original Samaritan who discovers the truth about Joe’s identity and seeks vengeance or justice in his own warped way.
This continuation would offer an opportunity to dive deeper into the themes of redemption, generational trauma, and whether true change is ever possible — all while delivering the gritty street-level action fans enjoyed.
