Cold in July Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A man shoots a burglar, then teams up with the burglar’s dad and Don Johnson to uncover a snuff film ring because… Texas.

🍿 Cold in July: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Accidental Shooting and Its Aftermath

In 1989 Texas, Richard Dane, a family man, inadvertently shoots and kills an intruder in his home. Initially, the police assure him it was self-defense. However, Richard is deeply affected by the incident, grappling with the moral implications of taking a life.

Confrontation and Escalating Threats

Richard attends the burglar’s burial and is confronted by Ben Russel, the deceased’s father, a recently paroled convict. Ben’s veiled threats against Richard’s family instill fear and paranoia. Despite Richard’s attempts to seek police protection, he finds himself increasingly vulnerable.

Unraveling the Truth and Forming Alliances

Richard begins to suspect that the man he killed may not have been who the police claimed. This suspicion leads him to form an unlikely alliance with Ben Russel and a private investigator, Jim Bob, to uncover the truth behind the burglary and the identity of the dead man.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Richard Dane (Michael C. Hall): A protective father who accidentally shoots a burglar, leading him into a dangerous web of lies and violence.
• Russel (Sam Shepard): A paroled convict and the father of the dead burglar, seeking vengeance and uncovering a deeper conspiracy.
• Jim Bob (Don Johnson): A flamboyant private investigator who assists Richard and Russel in their search for the truth.
• Ann (Vinessa Shaw): Richard’s wife who struggles to cope with the escalating violence and danger surrounding her family.
• Price (Nick Damici): A local cop involved in corruption and a conspiracy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Russel: “What are you going to do when a dog goes bad on you… bites somebody or hurts somebody? There’s only two things you can do, right? You either chain him up… or put him down.” – Russel uses this analogy to explain his perspective on dealing with his son’s criminal actions.
• Russel: “Well… I can’t very well chain him up… can I?” – Russel says this line immediately after talking about killing his own son to make a dark and unsettling point about his intentions.
• Jim Bob: “All right, boys, it’s Howdy Doody time.” – Jim Bob says this line to inject some dark humor before the vigilantes storm the snuff video lair.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4.5M
• Domestic Gross: $427,418
• Worldwide Gross: $1,547,630

💥 Cold in July Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Cold in July! It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Michael C. Hall was amazing, so different from Dexter, and Don Johnson was hilarious. The scene at the drive-in when things start to go sideways was so intense, I nearly jumped out of my skin. Definitely one of my favorite crime movies in recent years and I am recommending it to everyone I know!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of neo-noir thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
  • “Audiences who appreciate 1980s aesthetics”
  • “Fans of Michael C. Hall, Sam Shepard, and Don Johnson”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Graphic content”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Brief Nudity”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Jim Mickle delivers a tense and stylish neo-noir that keeps you guessing. Michael C. Hall shines as the everyman caught in a web of violence, while Sam Shepard and Don Johnson provide stellar support, creating a suspenseful and unpredictable thriller.
• Variety: “Cold in July is a taut and well-acted crime drama with unexpected twists. Michael C. Hall is excellent as the protagonist, and Sam Shepard brings a compelling menace. Don Johnson adds a touch of humor, but the dark subject matter and violent turns may not appeal to all viewers.

Audience Reactions

Unexpected twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end.: Viewers praised the suspenseful plot and shocking reveals.

Don Johnson’s performance provided much-needed comic relief.: Many enjoyed Johnson’s charismatic and humorous portrayal.

Overall Consensus: A tense and well-acted neo-noir with surprising twists, though some found the plot convoluted.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Joe R. Lansdale, who makes a cameo appearance as the priest at the graveside.”
• “Director Jim Mickle and writer Nick Damici have collaborated on several films, creating a distinctive style of pulpy, atmospheric thrillers.”
• “The 1980s setting is meticulously recreated through the soundtrack, wardrobe, and set design, enhancing the film’s neo-noir feel.”

🖥️ How to Watch Cold in July?

As of today, you can stream “Cold in July” on AMC+ or rent/purchase it on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cold in July, you might like these similar films:

• Blue Ruin (2013): Features a similar theme of an ordinary man drawn into a world of violence and revenge, with a focus on the consequences of his actions.
• Blood Simple (1984): A classic neo-noir with a Texas setting and a twisting plot involving crime, betrayal, and flawed characters.
• Killer Joe (2011): Like Cold in July, Killer Joe features a darkly comedic and violent story set in Texas, with a cast of morally compromised characters.
• Drive (2011): Features a similar blend of intense violence, stylish direction, and a memorable synth soundtrack.

🛒 Cold in July Related Products

• Cold in July (Blu-ray): Experience the tension and suspense of Cold in July in high definition. The Blu-ray includes bonus features with cast and crew interviews.
• Cold in July (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the atmospheric tension of the film with the original soundtrack by Jeff Grace. A mix of synth and rock.
• Joe R. Lansdale’s “Cold in July”: Delve into the thrilling novel that inspired the movie. Enjoy a more in-depth exploration of the characters and plot.
• Cold in July Movie Poster: Get a high-quality poster featuring the movie’s striking artwork. Perfect for decorating your home theater or office.

🎧 Soundtrack

Cold in July features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Forgetting You” – performed by James Carr
• “Jeff Grace’s original score” – performed by Jeff Grace

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Mark kermode reviews Cold in July

Ever wondered what the critics thought of ‘Cold in July’? Mark Kermode gives his take, and honestly, it’s a pretty insightful perspective on the movie’s darker themes. It really made me think about the characters differently!

✨ Rate