Cold in July – Review

This under seen crime thriller has crackling tension that ignites immediately out the gates. The story is one of those “the less you know, the better” types, so: this movie is for those that like dark twisty crime thrillers. Based on a book of the same title, the film takes place in small town Texas during the 1980s. The no-cell-phone world may remind the audience of a simpler time, but the pace of the movie will keep watchers on edge. The story is twisty and packs a few surprises while maintaining an anxious pace.

The excellent cast is full of characters which are not all that they seem, following what may appear at first to be typical crime/noir story elements through to their winding conclusions. Shots are methodical, and the pacing natural. While graphic violence is not the main focus of this movie, it does dive into dark territory by the end, especially for those with active imaginations.

Overall, this movie really works. An ever-evolving story continues to drive surprise character interactions and numerous turns. A pulsing soundtrack rounds out the work, tying the moods together.