The Book, The Film, The T-Shirt
  • Home
  • News
  • Features
  • Movies
  • Books
  • TV
  • Gaming
  • Interviews
  • Competitions
Movies 0

Cold in July (2014)

By Mario Costas @ArkhamRezident · On June 21, 2014


The Gist

Everyday family man Richard Dale (Michael C. Hall) shoots and kills a house intruder in self defence. The intruder’s father Russell (Sam Shepard) is fresh out of jail and wanting revenge. However through a series of dark events the two must put their hatred aside and work together as they uncover a world of lies and violence.

The Review

Going into Cold in July I had no idea what to expect. The trailers looked promising and its cast was more than inviting. So the film begins with Richard (Michael C Hall) inspecting a noise coming from downstairs. Armed, he makes his way to the living room and in a moment of panic he shoots and kills the assailant. Although he is conflicted, the assailant’s father Russell (Shepard) an ex-con just recently released from prison wants revenge. It is around this time when the tables turned and the rug was pulled out from under us. What I thought would be a revenge/protect family at all costs thriller, slowly turns into a tale of corruption and violence. Since all the synopses of the film states it already I might as well say it. Whoever was in Richard’s house was not Russell’s son and together, along with an old war buddy of Russell (Don Johnson) they embark on a journey to find what really is going on.

The film is based in the 1980s and director Jim Mickle makes sure the film looks and feels authentic. In fact it feels as if it were filmed in the 1980s for that matter. From Hall’s mullet, to the cheesy 80s music, even the slow John Carpenter-like wide angle camera tracking shots. Everyone here, cast and crew is on top of their game. I was drawn in to the film’s editing since it was paced well enough for us to get into these characters and you know, actually feel for them, something which is lacking as of late. As well as pacing the cinematography is top notch, using every camera trick in the book as well as sound and so on. Blend all these elements together and there are some truly frightening as well as heartfelt scenes in this movie.

As for the cast, the standout star here is Shepard as the ex-con Russel. At first I believed he would be the silent, stalker type but especially after the big(ish) reveal we witness a man on a downward spiral through regret and hopefully redemption. That’s not to say his co-stars come anywhere short. Michael C Hall has successfully distanced himself from his most iconic role, television’s lovable serial killer Dexter. He’s shy, meagre and not at all adept to killing. The film takes its time showing us that he really is conflicted with what he has done and is determined to set things right. Don Johnson as always is a joy to watch as Jim Bob who acts like a bridge between the two and as one who helps move the story along. I wish I could talk more about the third act but that would be outright sinful for as stated, this movie does take a vicious and dark turn, for the best. Its best moments though are when all three are together on screen.

The Verdict

Every now and then a small movie comes along that makes me fall in love with cinema all over again. This is one of them. Despite some spoilers I have given away in this review, this film will keep you guessing regardless.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idLGJ3SleDs

Certificate: 15

Director: Jim Mickle

Starring: Michael C. Hall, Don Johnson, Sam Shephard

Running Time: 115 minutes

Release Date: 27th June

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Related

Cold in JulyDon JohnsonJim MickleMichael C. HallShepard
Share Tweet

Mario Costas

Mario has been watching movies since he could remember. From a young age, he would drive others crazy telling people about movies he saw. He continues to do that but in writing and in the meantime creates his own stories in the process. Sci-fi and independent movies are his thing but endures the popular movies too.

You Might Also Like

  • Movies

    SUPERMAN Review

  • Movies

    JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH Review

  • Movies

    28 YEARS LATER Review

No Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe & Follow

Follow @thebookthefilm
Follow on Instagram
  • Popular
  • Comments
  • Tags
  • The Rise of Lockdown Streaming

    May 3, 2020
  • Salvo (2014)

    September 27, 2014
  • Penny Dreadful S1 EP 3 ‘Resurrection’ & EP 4 ‘Demimonde’ Review

    June 22, 2014
  • Pet Movie

    Spoiler Alert – Top 5 Horror Movie Twists

    March 17, 2017
  • warner bros. for her dvd collection

    Christmas Gift Guide: For Her – Heart Warming DVDs

    December 14, 2016
  • Win a copy of The Apartment on Limited Edition Blu-ray Courtesy of Arrow Academy

    December 23, 2017
David Griffiths marvel Kyle McGrath Ben Affleck J.K. Simmons Amy Adams Scarlett Johansson Jai Courtney Lee Griffiths Hugh Jackman Chris pratt Jason Clarke Daniel Craig Ralph Fiennes Brad Pitt Emilia Clarke Henry Cavill keanu reeves
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure

ABOUT

Over opinionated and online. The Book, The Film, The T-Shirt was created for lovers of entertainment everywhere. We hope you enjoy it. Don't feed the writers after midnight.

Latest News

  • 4

    SUPERMAN Review

    July 9, 2025
  • 3.5

    JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH Review

    July 9, 2025
  • 4

    28 YEARS LATER Review

    July 9, 2025

SEARCH THE SITE

HIBS100 Index of Home and Interior Blogs
HIBS100

© 2016 Last Exit to Hollywood Media Limited. All rightsreserved. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”