Controversial action thriller “Citizen Vigilante,” starring Armie Hammer, is coming to Australian screens this week, following a bruising critical reception overseas.
Written and directed by German filmmaker Uwe Boll, “Citizen Vigilante” features Hammer as a man who “takes justice into his own hands, hunting down criminals, while his vigilante crusade makes him a social media star and puts him at odds with the local police chief,” per the official synopsis.
The film’s arrival in Australia comes after it attracted significant controversy – and some particularly savage reviews – overseas. “Citizen Vigilante” currently holds a 10% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, and has faced broad accusations of xenophobia over its storyline, which sees Hammer’s character target violent criminals, including migrants. It has been banned in Germany for its extreme violence and alleged anti-migrant message.
Following its US release in June, the film will be available to rent or buy digitally through Amazon, Apple, Google, Fetch, Foxtel and Sky from September 2nd. It will not get a cinema release, with both Event Cinemas and HOYTS telling Variety Australia they will not screen the film.
Variety described it as a “violent, incoherent, morally bankrupt slice of exploitation” and argued that it could only harm Hammer’s attempted career comeback, while The Guardian awarded the film one star and criticised its depiction of immigration and European politics.
However, the film found an unlikely high-profile supporter in Elon Musk, who promoted it on X in June. Musk shared the film with his hundreds of millions of followers for 48 hours only, and later responded to a post showing it climbing Apple’s movie charts. Its online popularity ultimately stood in stark contrast to its reception from critics, with the film registering a far stronger audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
“Citizen Vigilante” is significant for Hammer, marking his attempt to rebuild his acting career following his dramatic fall from Hollywood in 2021. The “Call Me by Your Name” and “The Social Network” actor was accused by multiple women of sexual misconduct and abuse, allegations he has denied. The fallout saw Hammer exit several projects and lose representation from his agency – WME – and publicist.
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Los Angeles police investigated an allegation of sexual assault against Hammer, but prosecutors announced in 2023 that they would not pursue criminal charges, saying there was insufficient evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Hammer has since spoken publicly about his cancellation and attempts to return to acting, describing the experience in a 2024 interview as ultimately “liberating.”
“Citizen Vigilante” has been classified MA15+ in Australia for “strong themes, violence, sexual violence and sex scenes,” with the Australian Classification Board noting “themes related to xenophobia, vigilantism, institutional corruption and fear.”