Watch Blood Father

Blood Father is a 2016 action thriller film directed by French director Jean-Francois Richet, and written by Peter Craig and Andrea Berloff. The movie stars Mel Gibson as John Link, a former convict and tattoo artist who lives in a trailer park in the California desert who tries to protect his estranged daughter, Lydia (Erin Moriarty), from drug lords led by Jonah Pincerna (Diego Luna).

The story begins with Lydia getting involved with a Mexican drug cartel led by Jonah after running away from home with her boyfriend, who is one of the cartel's members. She accidentally shoots Jonah's son in the process of escaping from their clutches and goes on the run. As the cartel closes in, Lydia contacts Link, who she hasn't seen in years for help. Through a series of intense and sometimes violent events, Link and Lydia form a bond as they navigate the dangerous world of drug cartels and seek redemption.

As Link and Lydia are on the run from the cartel, Jonah and his henchmen are hot on their heels. Link draws on his criminal past and resourcefulness to protect his daughter and get them both out of danger. The pair travels through the desert and to a number of shady motels, and the audience often finds themselves tense, wondering if Link and his daughter will be caught by the swarming forces of organized crime.

One of the strongest aspects of the film is its action-packed plot – there are car chases, shootouts, narrow escapes, and violence aplenty. However, it isn't just mindless violence, as the characters are fleshed out and their relationships are explored in depth. The dynamic between father and daughter is the heart of the movie and the performance by Gibson is outstanding. He brings a lot of authenticity to the role and brings out the complexity of his character, who is someone that is trying to make up for past mistakes and protect what is most important to him.

Moriarty’s portrayal of Lydia is also quite impressive, as she conveys the fear, vulnerability and confusion of a young girl caught up in the world of drugs and violence. She longs for her father's acceptance, and her quest to win his love and trust is a powerful sub-plot. Diego Luna also delivers a convincing performance as the ruthless drug lord with an agenda, who is willing to go to great lengths to get his hands on those who crossed his path.

The movie takes a quintessential Western approach, where the characters are marked by both their flaws and the irreversible damage they’ve inflicted. There's a rough, edgy quality to Blood Father, and the movie doesn't pull any punches. The cinematography is also noteworthy, as the arid desert landscapes and the vivid settings give the audience a sense of the harsh reality of the characters' struggle for survival.

In conclusion, Blood Father is a gripping action thriller that features strong performances, memorable characters, and a superb mix of tension and excitement. The film makes the most of its storyline and strikes a balance between raw, brutal action and thought-provoking themes. It is a testament to Gibson's enduring talent, and proves that he is still a formidable force on the big screen. For those who enjoy adrenaline-pumping, high-stakes action and powerful character development, Blood Father is a must-see.

Blood Father is a 2016 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 66.