Watch Cold in July

The movie Cold in July, directed by Jim Mickle and released in 2014, is a gripping thriller with an unexpected twist. The story takes place in small town Texas in the late 1980s and begins with the momentous decision of Michael Dane (played by Sam Shepard) to take justice into his own hands and kill an intruder in his house. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that nothing is what it seems.

Michael Dane is a peaceful, reserved man who lives a quiet life with his wife, Ann (played by Vinessa Shaw), and their young son. However, his world is shattered when he discovers a burglar in his home one night. In a moment of panic and fear, Michael shoots the intruder, who dies on the spot. He soon learns that the intruder was a notorious career criminal, Russel (played by Wyatt Russell), and that he has just become a local hero. However, the incident sends shockwaves through the small town and sets off a chain of events that nobody could have predicted.

Things take a dark turn when Russel's father, Ben Russell (played by Sam Shepard), begins to threaten Michael and his family, accusing him of murdering an innocent man. Michael becomes increasingly paranoid as he tries to protect his family and figure out what is really going on. He reaches out to the local police for help, but they are mostly indifferent and unhelpful. That is, until a rough and tumble detective named Jim Bob Luke (played by Don Johnson) enters the picture.

As Michael, Ann, and Jim Bob Luke delve deeper into the shadowy world of the Russel family and their criminal connections, they discover that there is much more to the story than they ever imagined. The tension builds as the trio uncovers one shocking revelation after another, leading up to a dramatic and violent climax.

Cold in July is a well-crafted thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. It's a movie that defies easy categorization; it's part crime drama, part mystery, part horror, and part family drama. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Michael C. Hall delivering a standout performance as a quiet and introverted family man who is forced to become a reluctant hero.

The script, adapted from the novel of the same name by Joe R. Lansdale, is tightly-plotted and full of surprises. Director Jim Mickle expertly builds and sustains tension throughout the film, making the most of the Texas setting and the atmospheric soundtrack by Jeff Grace.

At its core, Cold in July is a movie about the insidious nature of violence and its terrible consequences. It's also a meditation on the bond between fathers and sons, as well as a commentary on the corrosive effects of corruption and greed. Yet the film never feels preachy or didactic; instead, it's a tense and exciting thriller that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.

In conclusion, Cold in July is a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and anyone who enjoys a good mystery. With its strong performances, gripping plot, and memorable setting, it's a movie that will linger in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll.

Cold in July is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 73.