Cold In July

A fitting title for a film released at this time of year, but then again, it takes it directly from the novel upon which it is based. With a spectacular plot that would not have been exceedingly difficult to translate to the big screen, it is surprising that this is the only adaptation since the books release in 1989. So there is nothing to compete with apart from other films of this genre, and Jim Mickle is no stranger to this genre either as well as Don Johnson Michael C Hall that form a rather impressive cast.

Like most of the best thrillers, its protagonist is an ordinary citizen who enjoys his own life and has no desire to be drawn into a world of action. But sadly that is exactly what happens to Richard Dane (Hall) after he kills an intruder in his house. From then on he becomes involved in a dark and gruesome underworld. It really is a case of normal one minute, and hectic the next. This transition has an excellent pace, but still manages to maintain all of the tension and nerve shredding suspense that any good thriller should have.

The character development is basically a downfall story. Like I said before this is a normal man who is slowly drawn into a dark environment in which he not only survives, but thrives. Eventually of course he becomes comfortable and at ease with these horrible acts he performs. The true hero of this film though, has to be Sam Shepard, who introduces some much needed charisma and strong willed persona into the film. Without him it would feel very empty and uninteresting although it does have enough of that on its own anyway but it is Shepard who brings most of it straight through a set of steel doors and forcing his way into the foundations of the film.

Now we move onto the plot, undoubtedly the film’s strongest factor. It’s ripe with twists and turns yet manages to keep the viewer up to speed with everything. It may just be me, but this plot feels vastly complicated, yet it is easy to keep up with. Don’t ask me to fully explain it or how they do it, but somehow they have, and the results are fantastically enthralling. Instantly the plot is sent in an unexpected direction, if you think you know everything about the plot you’re about to be very surprised as you watch this film (unless you read the entire summary on Wikipedia). It is Dane who is traumatised by his own violent actions, as anyone would be, but it is heavily emphasised throughout the film to make the transition more obvious.

Though there are a few problems with the actual narrative, they are easy to ignore amid this brilliantly engineered and often hilarious as well as horrifying story. It never lets go either, so if you admire films that give you a moment to breathe then maybe this one isn't for you. Normally I would complain about this myself, but it suits the style of the film very well, so I remain highly impressed as well as surprised with this.

Result: 7/10