🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Jean-François Richet
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Release year: 2016
- Runtime (length): 1h 28min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (69K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Mel Gibson’s character tries to stay sober, but his daughter keeps dragging him back into the desert to shoot guys.
🍿 Blood Father: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Estranged Daughter’s Plea
John Link (Mel Gibson), an ex-con and tattoo artist living a solitary life, receives a desperate call from his estranged daughter, Lydia (Erin Moriarty). Lydia is on the run from a drug cartel after a violent incident involving her boyfriend, Jonah. John, despite his troubled past, decides to help her.

On the Run
John and Lydia find themselves hunted by both the cartel and law enforcement. They navigate a dangerous landscape, relying on John’s old connections and skills to evade their pursuers. The film portrays a gritty, violent journey as they seek refuge and protection.

Confronting the Past
As they evade their enemies, John is forced to confront his past and the choices that led to his estrangement from Lydia. The film explores themes of redemption and the lengths a father will go to protect his child. Their relationship deepens as they rely on each other to survive.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Link (Mel Gibson): A recovering alcoholic and ex-con, trying to protect his estranged daughter from a dangerous drug cartel.
- Lydia (Erin Moriarty): Link’s wayward daughter who seeks his help after getting into trouble with a drug cartel.
- Jonah (Diego Luna): The ruthless drug dealer and Lydia’s boyfriend who sets the events of the film in motion.
- Kirby (William H. Macy): Link’s loyal friend and AA sponsor who offers support and guidance.
- Preacher (Michael Parks): An old acquaintance of Link’s, a former colleague from his criminal past, whose allegiances are questionable.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Link: “I’m a real success story.” – Link’s ironic opening line at an AA meeting, highlighting his struggle to stay sober and reconnect with his daughter.
- Link: “Kid, you’ve got the mindset of a battered housewife.” – Link’s harsh assessment of Lydia’s choices and self-destructive patterns, spoken with tough love.
- Kirby: “You know the difference between fitting and proper?” – Kirby’s crude joke to Link, illustrating their close but rough friendship and Kirby’s unconventional wisdom.
- Lydia: “When you owe your life to someone, you better live it… So I just say thank you.” – Lydia’s closing statement at an AA meeting, reflecting on her father’s sacrifice and her commitment to sobriety.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $13,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $649,403
- Worldwide Gross: $6,903,033
💥 Blood Father Reviews
Personal Review
I’ve always loved Mel Gibson’s action movies, and ‘Blood Father’ reminded me why. He brought that old-school grit back. Seeing him as a protective, flawed father was great. The desert setting really added to the tension. I felt like I was right there with him and his daughter, running from the bad guys. The scene where he protects his daughter at the trailer park, those are the best scenes.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Mel Gibson’s action movies”
- “Viewers who enjoy gritty crime thrillers”
- “Those interested in stories of redemption”
- “People who like father-daughter narratives”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong violence”
- “Drug use”
- “Profanity”
- “Brief nudity”
Professional Reviews
- Rama’s Screen: “Blood Father is hardcore, a story of retribution. Mel Gibson plays an ex-convict trying to keep it together when his daughter, hunted by a cartel, returns. It’s straightforward with father-daughter drama and firepower. Predictable, but satisfying for fans of Charles Bronson.
- N/A: “Mel Gibson is back and better than ever! This movie was fast paced, fun, and brutal. The acting was well done all the way around. It was emotional, dramatic, and thrilling. Mel Gibson put on one of his greatest performances.
- N/A: “Taken meets Sicario meets Sons of Anarchy. Oh Mel Gibson, you amazing, charismatic, volatile, genius, we freaking missed you. It’s been 6 years since we had a good reason to be excited about a Mel Gibson movie and he’s back with a bang.
Audience Reactions
Mel Gibson’s performance as a gritty, protective father resonated strongly with viewers.: Fans praised the film’s raw action, father-daughter dynamic, and Gibson’s intense acting.
Overall Consensus: A gritty action thriller with a focus on redemption and a father-daughter relationship, elevated by Mel Gibson’s performance.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Sylvester Stallone was originally slated to direct and star in a ‘Blood Father’ adaptation back in 2008, before Mel Gibson took on the role.”
- “The film’s setting in the California desert evokes a modern Western aesthetic, reminiscent of classic Sergio Leone films and contemporary thrillers like ‘No Country for Old Men’.”
- “Director Jean-François Richet, known for the ‘Mesrine’ biopic series, brought a gritty, action-oriented style to ‘Blood Father’, steering away from a more European, art-house approach.”
🖥️ How to Watch Blood Father?
Blood Father is available for purchase or rent on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming options as availability may vary. Some cable providers may also offer it on demand.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Blood Father, you might like these similar films:
- Taken (2008): Features a father with a particular set of skills who will stop at nothing to rescue his daughter.
- Get the Gringo (2012): Features Mel Gibson in a similar anti-hero role, navigating the criminal underworld to survive.
- Man on Fire (2004): An Ex-CIA operative takes on the role of protecting a young girl, and becomes enraged when she is abducted.
- Run All Night (2015): Liam Neeson plays a hitman protecting his son from the mob, similar to the father-daughter dynamic and the ‘one last job’ theme.
🛒 Blood Father Related Products
- Blood Father [Blu-ray]: Own Blood Father on Blu-ray, and experience the intense action and powerful story in high definition. The Blu-ray edition offers enhanced visuals and sound for an immersive viewing experience. Experience the gritty, action-packed adventure with stunning clarity and depth.
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🎧 Soundtrack
Blood Father features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, Blood Father is based on the novel of the same name by Peter Craig, who also co-wrote the screenplay.
Blood Father was primarily filmed in New Mexico, USA, utilizing locations like Belen to create the film’s gritty desert setting.
There are currently no plans for a sequel to Blood Father.
🔥 Bonus Content
Crystal Reed Audition Tapes – “Blood Father.”
Ever wondered what it takes to land a role? Check out Crystal Reed’s audition for “Blood Father”! It’s fascinating to see how actors bring characters to life, and honestly, her performance is captivating.
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