Blood Father

As it can be deduced from the title, Blood Father is an action-filled movie, but it is a good one at that – surprisingly good, as a matter of fact.

Directed by French cinéaste Jean-François Richet, Blood Father tells the gritty story of a former convict who is forced to forgo his parole to help his runaway teen escape assassination from a drug cartel. Father-daughter bonding rapidly ensues as they become involved in a manic chase for life and death. Perhaps this might not seem like the premise of a promising story, but it truly is, and the film is totally incomparable to the coincidentally likewise, French-made and deplorable Taken trilogy.

Known to be a perfect choice for action movies, a scruffy-looking Mel Gibson is not dissatisfying as the awesomely named, John Link, the titular father. His performance is signified by enormous wit, and you especially appreciate the ongoing banter between him and his daughter Lydia (Erin Moriarty) once they reconcile following the time she was missing. The troubled pair have plenty in common as they both are former addicts toughened by their unfavourable pasts. It must be said that Moriarty is amazing in her portrayal of the funny, yet distraught adolescent. As someone who is at the mere beginning of what seems to be a promising acting career, Blood Father surely will guarantee some exciting opportunities for the 22-year-old actress.

William H. Macy is another recognisable face in this film as Kirby, John’s good friend and confidant. Macy is the ultimate proof that an actor can play a minor role in a movie and still consistently deliver a memorable performance.

This film is wrought with tension, yet the audience can find themselves laughing during its most exhilarating moments – somebody may get shot, for example, but Gibson is so matter-of-factly about it that you cannot help but chortle, however inappropriate that may be.

Overall, Blood Father has a well-structured plot that satisfyingly comes full circle.

Kim Varod

Blood Father is released nationwide on 7^th October 2016.

Watch the trailer for Blood Father here: