On June 30, 2025, the AmerikaHaus NRW hosted a screening and discussion of Vengeance at the Filmpalette in Cologne. The event featured guest speaker Dr. Philipp Adorf, research associate at the University of Bonn’s Institute for Political Science and Sociology. The evening was part of AmerikaHaus NRW’s ongoing efforts to explore contemporary American culture through film and dialogue.

Vengeance, the directorial debut of B.J. Novak, offers a satirical yet poignant look at the divisions within American society. Following New York journalist Ben Manalowitz as he investigates the suspicious death of a former acquaintance in rural Texas, the film blurs the lines between comedy, mystery, and social critique. It addresses themes such as the ethics of true crime storytelling, the performative nature of media, and the persistent stereotypes surrounding “red” and “blue” America.

In the discussion following the screening, Dr. Adorf offered insights into the film’s portrayal of cultural divisions in the U.S., particularly the stereotypes often associated with the American South. He reflected on how this portrayal—while exaggerated for satire—spoke to real sociopolitical dynamics that had fueled polarization in recent years. The film’s depiction of the divide between cosmopolitan elites and rural communities, he noted, echoed the conditions that enabled the rise of populist movements and figures like Donald Trump.

The discussion also explored the parallels between the U.S. and Germany regarding urban-rural tensions and the political consequences of cultural misunderstanding. Dr. Adorf pointed to the way both American and German media can entrench these divides by reducing complex identities to simplified archetypes. Audience members engaged actively in the Q&A portion of the event and – amongst other topics – further delved into the self-perception of liberal elites. The event thus served as an opportunity for transatlantic reflection on the role of media, identity, and empathy in an increasingly fragmented political landscape.

We cordially thank Dr. Adorf for his insights and the Federal Foreign Office for supporting this event.