Samaritan

“Samaritan” (2022): A Gritty Superhero Tale with a Human Touch

Samaritan, directed by Julius Avery and released in 2022, reimagines the superhero genre through a darker, more grounded lens. Starring Sylvester Stallone as a reclusive garbage collector with a secret past, the film explores themes of redemption, resilience, and the blurred line between hero and villain. While not a traditional comic book blockbuster, Samaritan offers a unique and gritty take that blends superhero mythology with urban realism.

Set in the fictional, crime-ridden city of Granite City, the story revolves around 13-year-old Sam Cleary (played by Javon “Wanna” Walton), a street-smart kid struggling to survive in a city on the verge of collapse. Sam becomes obsessed with the legend of “Samaritan,” a once-famous superhero believed to have died in a fiery battle with his twin brother and nemesis, “Nemesis,” twenty-five years earlier. When Sam suspects that his gruff, mysterious neighbor Joe Smith (Stallone) is actually Samaritan in hiding, he sets out to uncover the truth.

Joe, now living in obscurity, wants nothing more than to be left alone. Haunted by a tragic past and reluctant to return to a life of violence, he initially denies any connection to the superhero legend. However, as the city descends into chaos under the control of a rising gang leader named Cyrus (Pilou Asbæk), Joe is forced to confront his identity and choose between self-preservation or helping those in need—especially Sam, who sees him as a symbol of hope.

Stallone delivers a solid and weathered performance, embodying a superhero who has aged not just physically, but emotionally. His portrayal of Joe is more about grit than glory—he’s a man carrying deep regrets, struggling with a legacy he never wanted. Walton, meanwhile, brings energy and heart to the film, acting as the emotional core and moral compass. Their unlikely bond becomes the emotional anchor in a city that has largely lost its soul.

Visually, Samaritan leans into a grim, dystopian style. The city is painted in grays and shadows, with flashes of violence and desperation marking its streets. The action scenes, while not on the scale of Marvel or DC blockbusters, are impactful and grounded, reflecting the physical toll of age and consequence. Joe’s powers—super strength and near invulnerability—are used sparingly, reinforcing the film’s emphasis on restraint and realism over spectacle.

What sets Samaritan apart is its surprising third-act twist, which recontextualizes much of what came before. Without giving too much away, the twist challenges the audience’s assumptions about heroism, legacy, and the consequences of revenge. It’s a bold narrative move that adds psychological depth to what might otherwise be a straightforward redemption tale.

While Samaritan may not reinvent the superhero genre, it certainly carves out a space for more mature, character-driven stories within it. It's not about flashy suits or grand world-saving missions, but about flawed individuals trying to do the right thing in a broken world. For fans of gritty action with a touch of humanity, Samaritan offers a fresh, thoughtful take on what it truly means to be a hero.