Film Review: ‘Cold Pursuit’

Liam Neeson has a very particular set of skills. Skills he has acquired over a very long career.

Staring as a seemingly harmless dad, Nels Coxman’s life is about to get flipped upside down. Neeson’s character is, at first sight, a nonviolent, snowplow driver in Colorado. Even more so, he’s even awarded “Man of the Year” by his local community, because who doesn’t love someone who clears the path of snow for others?  His wife, Grace (Laura Dern), proudly looks on at him as he makes his grand speech. But my dear friends, would it really be up to par with Liam Neeson’s repertoire if this were a wholesome family film? Like his infamous role in the Taken movies, Neeson’s characters are always nice – until they’re pushed to by extraordinary circumstances to avenge those they love.

When Nels’ son Kyle (played by Micheál Richardson) suddenly dies, all hell breaks loose. His death appears to be linked to drug dealers, and Neeson is ready to take each one down to find avenge his sons death. However, his vengeful path seems to escalate as two gangs who once had an alliance, turn against each other – which heightens to the point that police involvement is needed. At the top of the chain, is Viking (played by Tom Bateman). Many respect and fear him. The story then changes to center the war he faces with the other gang. In a full action-packed movie, cops attempt to gain control over the situation. The movie is filled with dark humor and shows just how cold the pursuit of revenge can be. 

Meanwhile, Coxman slowly realizes that every single body he puts underground won’t fix the or make up for the body he wishes were next to him. Ultimately showing how satisfying revenge can be, and how it will only truly make one feel empty. Nevertheless, Cold Pursuit doesn’t disappoint in the genre of ‘Liam Neeson cutting people’s heads off left and right’.

Cold Pursuit is in theaters now!