Cold Pursuit (2019) is a gripping action-thriller film directed by Hans Petter Moland, based on his own 2014 Norwegian film In Order of Disappearance. The movie stars Liam Neeson in a role that is a departure from his usual action-packed characters, offering a darkly comedic twist to the traditional revenge thriller genre. Known for his performances in action films such as Taken and The Grey, Neeson brings his signature intensity to the role of Nels Coxman, a snowplow driver who is forced into a world of violence after the murder of his son.
Blending dark humor with intense action, Cold Pursuit explores themes of revenge, family, and the consequences of violence. With stunning snowy landscapes and a unique take on the revenge narrative, the film has garnered attention for its blend of suspense and black comedy. In this article, we will explore the plot, characters, themes, and why Cold Pursuit is a must-watch for fans of action and thrillers. We will also guide you on how to download or stream the film for a thrilling cinematic experience.
About the Movie
- Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime, Dark Comedy
- Language: English
- Director: Hans Petter Moland
- Release Year: 2019
- Run Time: 1 hour 58 minutes
- Main Cast:
- Liam Neeson as Nels Coxman
- Tom Bateman as Viking
- Emmy Rossum as Kim Dash
- Laura Dern as Grace Coxman
- Michael Eklund as Speedo
- William Forsythe as Captain
Plot Summary
Cold Pursuit follows the story of Nels Coxman (Liam Neeson), a quiet and hardworking snowplow driver in a remote Colorado town. Nels’ life takes a tragic turn when his son, Kyle (Micheál Richardson), is murdered by a drug cartel. The police claim it was an overdose, but Nels is convinced it was a deliberate act. Consumed by grief and anger, he embarks on a mission of revenge, tracking down the men responsible for his son’s death.
As Nels starts to take out members of the cartel one by one, he inadvertently gets caught in the middle of a gang war between drug lord Viking (Tom Bateman) and rival criminals. What begins as a personal quest for vengeance soon spirals into a chaotic situation where alliances are tested, lives are lost, and Nels finds himself questioning the morality of his actions.
Along the way, Nels’ wife, Grace (Laura Dern), is drawn into the turmoil, and the impact of Nels’ revenge spree ripples throughout the town. The film strikes a balance between suspenseful action and dark humor, with a narrative that veers between tension and absurdity. As the bodies pile up, Nels begins to realize that his quest for vengeance has consequences far beyond what he anticipated.
Themes Explored
- Revenge and Its Consequences
- One of the central themes in Cold Pursuit is the destructive nature of revenge. Nels’ desire for vengeance blinds him to the larger consequences of his actions. As he takes down those responsible for his son’s death, he inadvertently escalates a violent conflict that leads to more tragedy. The film asks whether revenge is truly worth the cost, showing how it can spiral out of control and harm even the people who are seeking justice.
- Family and Grief
- The loss of his son is the catalyst for Nels’ descent into violence, and the movie explores how family bonds are tested when tragedy strikes. Nels’ relationship with his wife, Grace, is also examined, particularly as she struggles to understand his obsession with revenge. The film portrays the emotional toll of losing a loved one and how grief can manifest in destructive ways.
- Morality and Justice
- Cold Pursuit raises questions about what is just and whether taking matters into one’s own hands is ever morally acceptable. As Nels continues his violent mission, the film challenges viewers to consider the difference between justice and vigilantism. The line between right and wrong becomes blurred as Nels’ pursuit of revenge puts him at odds with the law and his own sense of morality.
- Dark Comedy and Absurdity
- What sets Cold Pursuit apart from other revenge thrillers is its blend of dark comedy. The film infuses moments of absurdity and irony into an otherwise tense and violent story, giving it a unique tone. Characters are often introduced with humorous captions that provide backstory, adding a quirky touch to the otherwise grim proceedings. The dark humor provides a strange counterpoint to the violence, adding complexity to the film’s narrative.
Why You Should Watch Cold Pursuit (2019)
- Liam Neeson’s Strong Performance
- Liam Neeson delivers a commanding performance as Nels Coxman. While he’s best known for his action roles, Cold Pursuit shows a different side of Neeson as he plays a grieving father who is both vulnerable and deadly. His portrayal of Nels is nuanced, balancing emotion with the stoic determination of a man on a mission.
- Unique Blend of Action and Dark Humor
- Cold Pursuit stands out because of its unexpected use of dark humor alongside intense action sequences. The film’s ability to balance these two elements gives it a unique tone that sets it apart from typical revenge thrillers. If you enjoy films that mix suspense with moments of levity, this film delivers on both fronts.
- Gripping Action and Suspense
- The film’s action scenes are intense and well-executed, with several thrilling moments of suspense. The fast-paced nature of the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as Nels pursues his revenge and faces unexpected obstacles. The film is also visually striking, with the snowy landscapes of Colorado adding to the tension.
- Strong Supporting Cast
- Alongside Neeson, the supporting cast delivers strong performances, particularly Tom Bateman as Viking, the charismatic but dangerous drug lord. Emmy Rossum also shines as Kim Dash, a detective caught between Nels’ quest for revenge and the law. Their performances add depth to the story and enhance the overall viewing experience.
- Memorable Characters and Darkly Humorous Style
- The film is full of memorable characters, many of whom are introduced with humorous captions and quirky backstories. These touches of dark humor make Cold Pursuit stand out from other action films. The unique mix of violence, comedy, and character-driven storytelling keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
Where to Watch or Download Cold Pursuit (2019)
- Streaming Platforms
- Cold Pursuit is available for streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix (availability may vary by region). You can easily watch it with a subscription to any of these services.
- Digital Purchase or Rental
- If you prefer to rent or purchase the movie, Cold Pursuit is available on digital platforms like Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, and Vudu. You can rent or buy the film in HD quality for a one-time fee.
- DVD/Blu-ray
- For collectors or those who prefer physical media, Cold Pursuit is available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. This allows you to enjoy the film offline and revisit it anytime.
- Cable On-Demand
- Cold Pursuit is also available on various cable on-demand services, allowing viewers to rent or purchase the film through their cable provider.
Fun Facts About the Movie
- Remake of a Norwegian Film: Cold Pursuit is a remake of the 2014 Norwegian film In Order of Disappearance (originally titled Kraftidioten), which also dealt with themes of revenge and dark comedy. The American version, however, adds a more commercial action-film appeal while maintaining the dark humor and dramatic undertones of the original.
- Liam Neeson’s Action Roles: While Liam Neeson is renowned for his action-packed roles, Cold Pursuit stands out because it allows him to showcase a more complex, vulnerable side. Neeson’s performance brings a sense of emotional depth to what could otherwise have been a standard action-revenge film.
- Beautiful Cinematography: The snowy Colorado setting plays a crucial role in the film’s atmosphere, with wide shots of the mountainous terrain adding to the cold, isolated feeling of the story. The harsh environment reflects the emotional and physical struggle of the characters.
Conclusion
Cold Pursuit (2019) is a compelling action-thriller that combines suspense, dark humor, and emotional depth. Liam Neeson’s performance, paired with the film’s unique mix of action and comedy, makes it an engaging watch for fans of crime thrillers. Whether you’re drawn to revenge narratives or enjoy films with a twist of dark humor, Cold Pursuit delivers an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.
For those interested in downloading Cold Pursuit 2019 Hollywood movie, the film is available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play. It’s also available for streaming on services like Hulu and Netflix.
