Guy Ritchie’s 2021 heist thriller Wrath of Man ends with Jason Statham’s H obtaining his long-sought revenge. Statham, recognized for standout roles in Crank (2006), Spy (2015), The Meg (2018), and the recent The Beekeeper, delivers a compelling performance in this intense narrative of vengeance and greed.
The film’s cast includes notable names such as Josh Hartnett (Oppenheimer, Lucky Number Slevin), Holt McCallany (Mindhunter, Fight Club), and Scott Eastwood (The Fate of the Furious, Pacific Rim: Uprising), with Eastwood portraying the primary antagonist, Jan.
This project marked the fourth collaboration between Ritchie and Statham, with their fifth, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, featuring Hartnett, arriving in 2023.
Wrath of Man’s star-studded cast brings intensity to life (Photo: Wrath of Man/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Miramax Toff Guy Films)In Wrath of Man, Statham’s H infiltrates the armored truck company Fortico to uncover the truth behind his son Dougie’s (Eli Brown) murder by a group of army veterans-turned-robbers.
Structured into four chapters—A Dark Spirit, Scorched Earth, Bad Animals, Bad, and Liver, Lungs, Spleen & Heart—the story follows H’s relentless journey to identify those responsible and exact his revenge.
H Executes Jan Using Dougie’s Final Moments as a Blueprint
Jan becomes the last surviving member of the heist crew after the climactic Fortico depot robbery on Black Friday. Even Holt McCallany’s Bullet, the Fortico insider, is at the end betrayed and killed by Jan. After escaping with millions in a Prius, Jan believes he’s out of danger—until he finds H waiting in his condo.
H forces Jan to read aloud the coroner’s report detailing Dougie’s fatal injuries, including a punctured liver, collapsed lungs, ruptured spleen, and a shot to the heart.
H systematically replicates these injuries on Jan, ensuring justice is served before leaving the condo without taking any of the stolen cash. This act underscores H’s commitment to avenging his son rather than pursuing material gain.
Revealing H’s True Identity and Motivation
Bullet initially dubs Statham’s character “H” when he joins Fortico under the alias Patrick Hill. However, H’s true identity is Mason Hargreaves, a feared and influential crime lord. During a Fortico robbery, the criminals flee in terror upon recognizing Mason, a testament to his formidable reputation.
Mason’s mission stems from his son’s murder, leading him to adopt the Fortico persona to unearth the culprits. Assisted by his loyal crew, Mason relentlessly interrogates various criminals before deciding to go undercover at Fortico, where he uncovers the truth.
Examining the Fates of the Wrath of Man Characters
The film’s ending leaves few survivors. While H emerges victorious, many characters meet grim fates. Fortico employees Shirley, Dana, Stuart, and Boy Sweat Dave (Hartnett) are all killed during the heist.
Bullet betrays Stuart and Dana, killing them before attempting to eliminate H. However, Bullet and Jackson are murdered by Jan, who himself falls to H’s calculated revenge.
Exploring the Possibility of a Sequel
A sequel to Wrath of Man seems improbable, but it could delve into the broader criminal network Mason disrupted. H’s actions likely earned him new adversaries, setting the stage for potential retaliations. While his time at Fortico may be over, Mason’s status as a powerful crime lord leaves room for further narrative developments.
The Deeper Implications of Wrath of Man’s Ending
At its core, Wrath of Man delivers a tale of revenge intertwined with the profound loss of a father. Mason’s transformation into a vengeful force highlights the consuming nature of grief and the lengths one will go to for justice. Despite his meticulous plan’s success, Mason’s life remains overshadowed by loss, leaving questions about his future.
Reception of Wrath of Man and Its Impact
Critics and audiences alike praised the collaboration between Ritchie and Statham. While some noted pacing issues, particularly when subplots diverted from Statham’s storyline, the film’s finale earned widespread acclaim. Rotten Tomatoes scores reflect this divide, with a 68% critic rating but a 90% audience score.
Mae Abdulbaki of ScreenRant commended the movie’s editing, emphasizing its suspenseful and intense conclusion. The dark, action-packed finale resonated with viewers, solidifying Wrath of Man as a compelling addition to the heist genre.
