Archenemy (film)
A mysterious man claims he lost his superpowers from another dimension.
Archenemy, a 2020 independent film blending superhero, mystery, and thriller elements, was directed by Adam Egypt Mortimer, who also wrote the screenplay. Mortimer developed the story alongside Lucas Passmore. Joe Manganiello both stars as the lead and served as a producer, with a supporting cast that includes Skylan Brooks, Paul Scheer, Glenn Howerton, Zolee Griggs, and Amy Seimetz. The movie debuted at Beyond Fest on October 7, 2020, and RLJE Films brought it to theaters on December 11, 2020.
The plot follows a teenager who encounters Max Fist, a mysterious man claiming to have lost his superpowers after falling from another dimension. The pair join forces to take down a violent crime boss and his local drug syndicate.
The cast features Joe Manganiello as Max Fist, Skylan Brooks as Hamster, Zolee Griggs as Indigo, Paul Scheer as Krieg, Amy Seimetz as Cleo Ventrik, and Glenn Howerton as The Manager.
Production began with the announcement in November 2019 that Manganiello, Howerton, and Seimetz had signed on. Mortimer directed from his own script, based on a story he and Passmore created. Manganiello produced alongside Daniel Noah, Elijah Wood, Kim Sherman, Lisa Whalen, and Nick Manganiello. Principal photography ran from December 9, 2019, through January 2020.
RLJE Films secured distribution rights in July 2020. After its world premiere at Beyond Fest on October 7, 2020, the film also screened at the Sitges Film Festival later that month. It hit theaters on December 11, 2020. Over its first weekend, it earned $54,570, followed by $27,640 in its second, $24,851 in its third, and $9,897 in its fourth.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 76% approval rating from 54 reviews, with an average score of 6.2/10. The critics’ consensus notes that while *Archenemy* doesn’t fully develop some of its more intriguing concepts, Manganiello’s performance and the film’s raw energy make for an entertaining action-adventure. Metacritic gives it a 57 out of 100 based on seven reviews, indicating mixed or average reception.
In December 2020, Mortimer told Bloody Disgusting about a planned “Vortex Trilogy,” which includes *Daniel Isn’t Real*, *Archenemy*, and a third film. He stated, “mark my words we are going to make a third movie… that will have Daniel return and force Max, in some form, to deal with it. A crisis on infinite vortices pulling together as many of the cha
- Release year
- 2020
- Director
- Adam Egypt Mortimer
- Lead actor
- Joe Manganiello
- Genre
- Superhero mystery-thriller
- World premiere
- Beyond Fest, October 7, 2020
- Distributor
- RLJE Films
- Rotten Tomatoes approval
- 76%
Lore & Background
The film follows a teenager who meets a mysterious man named Max Fist, who claims he lost his superpowers after arriving from another dimension. Together, they take to the streets to wipe out a vicious crime boss and his local drug syndicate. The cast includes Joe Manganiello as Max Fist, Skylan Brooks as Hamster, Zolee Griggs as Indigo, Paul Scheer as Krieg, Amy Seimetz as Cleo Ventrik, and Glenn Howerton as The Manager.
Reader's Guide
Archenemy is notable as the second film in what director Adam Egypt Mortimer called the 'Vortex Trilogy,' following Daniel Isn't Real. The film received a 76% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 54 reviews, with critics noting that while it fails to follow through on some interesting ideas, Joe Manganiello's lead performance and the film's raw energy make for a fun action-adventure. Metacritic reported a score of 57 out of 100, indicating mixed or average reviews. The film grossed $54,570 in its first weekend, with declining totals in subsequent weeks. Mortimer confirmed plans for a third film that would bring together characters from both Daniel Isn't Real and Archenemy in a cosmic horror/action crossover.
Did You Know?
- The film had its world premiere at Beyond Fest on October 7, 2020.
- Joe Manganiello both starred in and produced the film.
- Principal photography began on December 9, 2019 and concluded in January 2020.
- Director Adam Egypt Mortimer confirmed a planned third film in the 'Vortex Trilogy.'
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