Cold Pursuit is a 2019 action thriller with dark comedic undertones, directed by Hans Petter Moland and starring Liam Neeson. A remake of Moland’s own 2014 Norwegian film In Order of Disappearance, it blends elements of revenge cinema with an offbeat, almost absurdist tone. While it follows the basic framework of a classic vengeance story, Cold Pursuit distinguishes itself with a quirky narrative structure, eccentric characters, and moments of unexpected humor woven into its icy brutality.
The film centers on Nels Coxman (Neeson), a quiet, hardworking snowplow driver in the small ski resort town of Kehoe, Colorado. Nels lives a peaceful life with his wife Grace (Laura Dern) until tragedy strikes—his son Kyle dies under suspicious circumstances, with authorities claiming it was due to a heroin overdose. Convinced his son was murdered, Nels abandons his ordinary existence and sets out to find those responsible.
His investigation leads him into the violent world of local drug trafficking, dominated by Trevor “Viking” Calcote (Tom Bateman), a ruthless but flamboyant kingpin. Nels begins eliminating Viking’s associates one by one, using his knowledge of the area’s rugged, snowbound terrain to his advantage. Each death is marked by an on-screen obituary card, a stylistic choice that injects grim humor into the proceedings while tracking the escalating body count.
As Nels’s rampage continues, a bloody gang war erupts between Viking’s crew and a rival Native American syndicate led by White Bull (Tom Jackson). Misunderstandings, betrayals, and eccentric side characters—including corrupt cops, hitmen with philosophical streaks, and disillusioned gang members—complicate the conflict, turning what could have been a straightforward revenge tale into a sprawling, darkly comic crime saga.
Visually, Cold Pursuit makes full use of its wintry setting. The snow-covered landscapes are both beautiful and foreboding, underscoring the film’s cold, detached violence. The contrast between serene mountain vistas and sudden, shocking bursts of brutality mirrors the film’s tonal shifts between bleakness and absurdity.
Liam Neeson delivers a restrained yet intense performance, playing Nels not as a slick action hero but as an unassuming man driven to violence by grief. Tom Bateman’s Viking, on the other hand, is theatrical and unpredictable, providing much of the film’s offbeat energy. Supporting performances, particularly from Tom Jackson as the stoic White Bull, deepen the film’s blend of crime drama and dark comedy.
Thematically, Cold Pursuit explores vengeance, futility, and the randomness of violence. While Nels seeks justice, the film often undercuts the romanticism of revenge, showing how it spirals into chaos and draws in people far beyond the original crime. Its humor, often dry and understated, comes from the bizarre behavior of its characters and the absurd consequences of their decisions.
Upon release, Cold Pursuit divided audiences—some praised its tonal uniqueness and visual style, while others felt its mix of comedy and violence was uneven. Still, it stands out among revenge thrillers for refusing to take itself entirely seriously, turning a potentially grim narrative into something strangely entertaining.
At its core, Cold Pursuit is a snowbound tale of grief and retribution, wrapped in a layer of deadpan wit. It’s a film that asks: if revenge is a dish best served cold, why not make it a darkly comic one?
