Today’s quick review: Cold Pursuit. Following the death of his son, Nels Coxman (Liam Neeson), a quiet, upstanding citizen of Kehoe, Colorado, sets out to get his revenge on the drug dealers responsible. Nels methodically works his way up the chain of command towards Viking (Tom Bateman), the man in charge of the operation. But his actions have unexpected consequences for Colorado’s criminal underworld and soon escalate into a full-blown drug war.
Cold Pursuit is a crime drama and a black comedy about one man’s sprawling quest for revenge. The movie’s linear premise and dry style gradually give way to a complex plot that pits half a dozen factions against each other in a conflict fueled by greed, misinformation, and revenge. Cold Pursuit delivers plenty of twists and a steady stream of understated, somewhat macabre humor. However, its slow start and odd tone make it an unusual pick.
To its credit, Cold Pursuit puts together a story that’s fascinating to track and difficult to predict. The plot is not a tightly wound masterpiece of foreshadowing and revelation, but rather a chaotic free-for-all with just enough serendipity to tie everything together. The episodes of the plot are short, quirky, and usually punctuated with murder. Their effects ripple through the rest of the cast, prompting another round of actions and consequences.
Cold Pursuit makes for an odd watch. It is not an action movie, in spite of its revenge-based premise. It does qualify as a black comedy, but it seems to ease into its humor of the course of the film, starting with subtle incongruities and ramping up into outrageous situations driven by its plot. Liam Neeson makes for an unusual protagonist in Nels Coxman, a helpful but socially awkward man who takes a brutal but practical approach to his mission.
Give Cold Pursuit a shot when you want to taste the peculiar side of the crime genre. Its understated humor, lack of action, and slow pacing make it a poor fit for the usual crime fan. But those willing to venture off the beaten path will appreciate its complex plot, quirky tone, and touches of dark comedy. Cold Pursuit lacks the artistry to stand with the best of the genre, but it’s a fine pick for fans of what it’s offering.
For an understated black comedy in a similar vein, try Fargo. For a punchier crime comedy with a similarly convoluted plot, try Snatch or Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels. For a crime comedy with more of a master plan, try Lucky Number Slevin. For a more action-packed Liam Neeson thriller, try Non-Stop.
6.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for an odd but effective mix of criminal escapades and dry humor.