From time immemorial, since human beings began telling stories to one another, the theme of revenge has always been captivating.

It’s hard to say why but, perhaps, when one is wronged, it is only human nature to want justice served through any means necessary.

Whatever the reason, many works of fiction have used revenge as the motivating force behind their main characters – see John Wick, who goes on a rampage after gangsters kill his puppy. (To be fair, who wouldn’t?)

Revenge is what drives the plot of Malaysia’s latest action film, setting the stage for director Adrian Teh’s “The Assistant”. The movie has made a splash at the local box office, reaping in RM1 million within four days of its release on Thursday last week.

So, what’s it about?

After being imprisoned for 10 years for a crime he did not commit, Zaufik (Iedil Dzuhrie Alaudin) is finally released. But despite his newly regained freedom, he is an unhappy man: his wife and his son were murdered in his absence, and he does not know why.

With no source of income, Zaufik becomes an enforcer for local crime boss and acquaintance Sam Lee (Henley Hii). But throughout, he never loses his desire to uncover the truth behind his family’s deaths.

When a mysterious man named Feroz (Hairul Azreen) offers to provide answers, Zaufik takes him up on it.

If you have watched enough action films, you would already be able to predict what happens next. The protagonist uncovers one clue after another, leaving a trail of bodies in their wake.

This is indeed what happens here, with Zaufik and Feroz punching, kicking, slicing and dicing their way through guards and goons.

Many action films make the mistake of using too many cuts while depicting a fight scene, making it hard for the audience to figure out what is going on. Thankfully, the choreography and cinematography in “The Assistant” avert this, making it clear where each punch is going to land.

As a result, the fighting is often visceral and bloody. This is actually to the film’s credit – that, despite the familiar story, the action sequences are well executed on the whole.

One particular fight towards the end was especially exhilarating and almost on par with Hollywood standards, the power of each punch practically leaping out at the audience.

That said, there are some grouses that could be made pertaining to the use of violence and gore in this film, which has an 18 rating.

With all the shooting and killing going on, some of the targets look no worse for wear, despite having been shot at close range. The lack of realism in this regard momentarily detracts from the action.

In addition, while most of the scenes seem to be done with effective practical effects, one scene in particular engages in excessive use of CGI, to its own detriment. Green screen much?

When it comes to performances, credit is definitely owed to Hairul, who is capable of switching from comical to intimidating at the drop of a hat.

As the thuggish and violent Feroz, he is an effective contrast to Iedil’s timid and well-meaning Zaufik – complete with sinister, unsettling laughter that might bring to mind a localised Joker.

So, is “The Assistant” destined to be Malaysia’s “John Wick”? Truthfully, while it is a good movie, it is not quite there yet.

Still, it is an extremely promising work and, given Teh’s previous efforts on “Paskal”, there is nowhere he can go but up.

‘The Assistant’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.