Violet & Daisy
Violet & Daisy is a 2011 American crime comedy-drama film written and directed by Geoffrey Fletcher in his feature directorial debut, following his Academy Award win for Best Adapted Screenplay for Precious (2009).[1] The story centers on two teenage assassins, Violet and Daisy, who accept a seemingly straightforward hit job to fund their desire for new dresses, only to encounter an unexpected target who challenges their worldview and forces an odyssey of self-examination.[2] Starring Alexis Bledel as the more experienced Violet and Saoirse Ronan as the naive Daisy, the film also features James Gandolfini in a pivotal role as the enigmatic target known only as "The Guy," alongside supporting performances by Danny Trejo as their handler Russ.[2] Fletcher, who also produced the film, drew from influences like Quentin Tarantino's style to blend dark humor, violence, and emotional depth in exploring themes of youth, morality, and the cycle of violence.[1] Principal photography took place in 2010 in New York City, with the project marking an early collaboration for Ronan post-Atonement and Bledel after Gilmore Girls.[2] Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 15, 2011, Violet & Daisy received a limited theatrical release in the United States on June 7, 2013, distributed by Cinedigm, and has since been available on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.[1] Running 88 minutes and rated R for language, disturbing behavior, and violence, the film grossed just $10,000 at the U.S. box office, reflecting its niche appeal.[1] Critically, Violet & Daisy holds a 23% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 48 reviews, with critics praising the young leads' performances but critiquing the uneven tone and underdeveloped script.[1] On IMDb, it scores 6.0 out of 10 from over 13,700 user ratings, where audiences noted its quirky premise and Gandolfini's role as highlights.[2] Despite mixed reception, the film has garnered a cult following for its bold take on female assassins in a male-dominated genre, influencing discussions on youth and agency in independent cinema.[1]Overview
Plot
Violet & Daisy follows the story of two teenage hitwomen, Violet and Daisy, who work as assassins in New York City under the direction of their handler, Russ. The film portrays them as a tightly knit duo, with Violet being the more experienced and cynical partner, while Daisy brings a youthful enthusiasm to their grim profession. Their partnership, forged through shared hardships, allows them to navigate the criminal underworld with a mix of efficiency and irreverence.[3][4] The narrative centers on their routine preparations for hits, where they don elaborate disguises—such as nuns or schoolgirls—and exchange witty banter that underscores their bond and masks the violence of their work. These assignments typically involve targeting crime figures, executed with casual precision amid distractions like obsessing over pop culture or a sold-out concert by their favorite idol. However, their latest job, assigned by Russ, promises to be a quick and easy takedown of a target secluded in an apartment.[5][1][4] As the mission unfolds, the target's unforeseen behavior—marked by unpredictability and an odd vulnerability—throws Violet and Daisy into disarray, sparking intense moral dilemmas about the nature of their killings and the toll it takes on their youth. This core conflict prompts deep self-reflection, transforming what should have been a routine hit into an odyssey of introspection on friendship, loss, and the human cost of their choices.[3][6][1]Cast
The principal cast of Violet & Daisy features Saoirse Ronan and Alexis Bledel as the titular teenage assassins operating in a gritty New York underworld.[7]| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Saoirse Ronan | Daisy | The more impulsive and optimistic of the duo, portrayed as an 18-year-old with an innocent, emotionally immature perspective and a childlike view of the world.[3][7] |
| Alexis Bledel | Violet | The cautious and intellectual partner, depicted as slightly older with a hardboiled demeanor, serving as the older sister figure to Daisy.[3][7] |
| James Gandolfini | The Guy (Michael) | A reclusive target marked for assassination, characterized by an unpredictable nature, odd sweetness, and surprising gentleness.[3][7] |