The Equalizer 3 (2023)

“The Equalizer 3”, known in Latin America as “The Punisher: The Final Chapter” and in Brazil as “O Protector: Final Chapter”, is the third installment in the saga starring Denzel Washington and directed by Antoine Fuqua. This action-thriller film concluded a trilogy that began in 2014, loosely based on the 1980s television series. “The Equalizer”.

In this final installment, protagonist Robert McCall confronts his past, but he does so in a different setting: instead of the streets of America, the story moves to the picturesque but dangerous Italian coast, blending the beauty of the landscape with the brutality of the local mafia. Unlike the previous installments, this installment has a more contemplative pace and a more personal approach.

Synopsis

After leaving his life as a government agent behind, Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) tries to find inner peace and redeem himself for the violent actions of his past. Upon arriving in a small town in the coastal region of southern Italy, he is warmly welcomed by the locals and begins to live a quiet life.

However, he soon discovers that his new friends are being oppressed by the Italian mafia, specifically the Camorra, one of the country's most dangerous criminal organizations. Unable to ignore the injustice, McCall resumes his role as a silent and lethal vigilante to protect those unable to defend themselves.

As he confronts this criminal network, he also grapples with his own inner demons and the possibility of finally leaving violence behind. With the help of Emma Collins (played by Dakota Fanning), a young CIA agent, McCall must face his last great battle.

Main Cast

• Denzel Washington as Robert McCall: A former government agent with a strong sense of justice, now trying to live a quiet life.
• Dakota Fanning as Emma Collins: A CIA analyst who becomes embroiled in the conflict due to her connection to McCall.
• David Denman as Frank ConroyEmma's superior, also linked to operations in Italy.
• Gaia Scodellaro as Aminah: A town resident who befriends McCall.
• Remo Girone, Andrea Dodero, and Eugenio Mastrandrea are also part of the cast, representing members of the local community and the mafia.

Reviews

The specialized criticism received The Equalizer 3 with mixed but generally positive reviews. Many praised Denzel Washington's performance, which brings emotional depth and presence to his character even in quieter scenes. Antoine Fuqua's direction was also recognized for its more refined and unhurried visual style, in contrast to the crude violence characteristic of the previous two installments.

The most praised aspects were:

• Denzel Washington's performance: As always, he gives an intense and nuanced performance.
• The Italian setting: offers a breath of fresh air to the franchise.
• The relationship between McCall and the community: shows a more human side of the character.

However, some critics pointed out that the slow pace of the film's first half might displease fans expecting nonstop action. Critics also criticized the fact that the plot lacks many surprises and follows a predictable outline.

Public Reception

The film was received more enthusiastically by the public than by critics. Many fans of the saga considered it a fitting and emotional ending for Robert McCall's character. Audiences praised the unique atmosphere, the well-executed action scenes, and the protagonist's emotional evolution.

On platforms such as IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, the film maintained a solid score, hovering between 6.5 and 7.5, indicating a generally favorable reception. The chemistry between Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning, who reunite after working together on “Man on Fire” (2004), was also well received by nostalgic audiences.

At the box office, The Equalizer 3 performed positively, especially considering its moderate budget. The film grossed over 180 million dollars worldwide, consolidating the trilogy as one of the most successful in the recent action genre.

Technical and Visual Aspects

Address

In this third installment, Antoine Fuqua strikes a balance between stylized violence and a more introspective approach. Unlike the previous two films, this one emphasizes silence, observation, and McCall's everyday moments with the Italian community.

Photograph

The cinematography, by Robert Richardson (a frequent Tarantino collaborator), offers a significant visual leap. The Mediterranean light, the coastal landscapes, and the town squares and alleyways create a beautiful, almost poetic atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the violent acts taking place in the shadows.

Music

The soundtrack, composed by Marcelo Zarvos, subtly accompanies McCall's inner transformation. It's not bombastic music, but rather pieces that reinforce the suspense, introspection, and tension at key moments.

Editing and rhythm

The film opts for a slower pace. During the first half, the atmosphere is built, the supporting characters are developed, and the threat is established. It's in the second half that the pace accelerates with more intense action sequences and brutal confrontations, characteristic of McCall's style.

Violence and action

Although more contained than in the previous ones, the violence in The Equalizer 3 It's still powerful. McCall acts with precision, lethality, and often silence. The action choreography is carefully executed and continues to convey that sense of cold, relentless justice that defines the character.

Conclusion

“The Equalizer 3” It represents a satisfying and emotional conclusion to Robert McCall's arc. Far from being just another action movie, this installment delves into the character's psychology, his search for peace, and the way he finds redemption by helping others.

Denzel Washington gives a solid and convincing performance, while the Italian setting adds an aesthetic and cultural dimension that enriches the narrative. While it may disappoint those expecting an action-packed film from the very first minute, McCall's narrative and emotional evolution justifies the slower, more contemplative approach.

As a whole, the trilogy of The Equalizer has managed to create an iconic and coherent character, one who blends brutality with humanity. This final chapter concludes in style, leaving fans with a sense of closure and reflection.