The 2019 action thriller film “Cold Pursuit” captivated audiences with its blend of dark humor, brutal violence, and a relentless pursuit of vengeance.
Directed by Hans Petter Moland, the film is an American remake of the 2014 Norwegian film “In Order of Disappearance” (Kraftidioten). Both films star Stellan Skarsgård, but “Cold Pursuit” boasts a strong supporting cast of Hollywood actors who bring the story to life.
Liam Neeson: A Grizzled Snowplow Driver on a Deadly Mission
Leading the cast is Liam Neeson, a powerhouse actor known for his action roles in films like “Taken” and “The Grey.” In “Cold Pursuit,” Neeson portrays Nels Coxman, a mild-mannered snowplow driver whose world is shattered when his son, Kyle, is murdered by drug dealers.
Grief-stricken and fueled by a primal desire for revenge, Nels embarks on a bloody quest to take down the Viking, the ruthless gangster responsible for his son’s death. Neeson delivers a gritty and compelling performance, perfectly capturing Nels’s transformation from a grieving father to a relentless avenger.
Tom Bateman: The Ruthless Antagonist
Opposing Neeson is Tom Bateman, who portrays Trevor “Viking” Calcote, the arrogant and sadistic son of Brock Calcote (William Forsythe), the head of a Denver drug cartel. Viking embodies everything Nels despises – violence, entitlement, and a complete disregard for human life. Bateman’s chilling portrayal of the villain creates a palpable tension throughout the film, making Nels’s revenge mission all the more satisfying.
Tom Jackson: A Native American with a Mysterious Past
Tom Jackson brings depth and intrigue to the film as White Bull, a mysterious Native American who seems to be tracking Nels’s every move. White Bull’s motives are initially unclear, but as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that he has a connection to both Nels and the Viking. Jackson’s stoic performance adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative, leaving audiences guessing until the very end.
Emmy Rossum: A Grieving Mother Caught in the Crossfire
Emmy Rossum portrays Kim Dash, Nels’s estranged wife who is struggling to cope with the loss of their son. Kim is initially resistant to Nels’s violent rampage, but as she witnesses his unwavering determination, she finds herself drawn back into his life. Rossum delivers a nuanced performance, showcasing the emotional turmoil of a mother forced to confront the darkness within her husband.
Laura Dern: A Sheriff with a Hidden Agenda
Laura Dern takes on the role of Sheriff Rankin, a seemingly by-the-books law enforcement officer who appears determined to stop Nels’s vigilante justice. However, as the body count rises, Rankin’s true motives begin to come into question. Dern’s portrayal of the morally ambiguous sheriff adds another layer of suspense to the film, keeping audiences guessing about who she’s truly working for.
Supporting Cast: A Stellar Ensemble Fills Out the Story
“Cold Pursuit” also features a talented supporting cast who flesh out the film’s world.
Dominic Lombardozzi portrays Walnut, Viking’s dimwitted and trigger-happy right-hand man.
Julia Jones delivers a memorable performance as Aya, a sympathetic waitress caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
William Forsythe portrays Brock Calcote, the ruthless leader of the Denver drug cartel and Viking’s father.
David O’Hara lends a touch of dark humor to the film as Sly, a flamboyant drug dealer who gets caught in Nels’s crosshairs.
A Well-Cast Ensemble Makes Cold Pursuit a Gripping Experience
The strong performances delivered by the cast of “Cold Pursuit” are a major factor in the film’s success. Liam Neeson anchors the film with his portrayal of a grieving father transformed into a relentless avenger.
Tom Bateman creates a chilling villain, and Tom Jackson adds an air of mystery to the story. The supporting cast is similarly outstanding, each of them giving their roles complexity and subtlety.
FAQs
Who plays Nels Coxman, the film’s protagonist?
The face of relentless vengeance in “Cold Pursuit” belongs to Liam Neeson. Known for his action roles in films like “Taken” and “The Grey,” Neeson portrays Nels Coxman, a mild-mannered snowplow driver whose life takes a brutal turn. Neeson masterfully conveys Nels’s transformation from a grieving father to a determined avenger, showcasing his raw emotions and unwavering determination.
Who portrays the villainous Viking in Cold Pursuit?
The antagonist, Trevor “Viking” Calcote, is brought to life by Tom Bateman. Viking embodies everything Nels despises – violence, arrogance, and a complete disregard for human life. Bateman’s chilling performance creates a palpable tension throughout the film, making the audience root for Nels’s revenge.
Who is the enigmatic White Bull played by Tom Jackson?
Tom Jackson’s character, White Bull, adds a layer of mystery to the narrative. A Native American with an undisclosed past, White Bull seems to be tracking Nels’s every move. Jackson’s stoic portrayal keeps the audience guessing about White Bull’s motives and his connection to both Nels and Viking.
Who plays Kim Dash, Nels’s estranged wife?
Emmy Rossum portrays Kim Dash, Nels’s wife struggling to cope with the loss of their son. Initially resistant to Nels’s violent path, Kim finds herself drawn back into his life as she witnesses his unwavering resolve. Rossum delivers a nuanced performance, showcasing the emotional turmoil of a mother grappling with loss and forced to confront the darkness within her husband.
Who are some other notable actors in the film?
Beyond the main cast, “Cold Pursuit” features a talented ensemble that brings depth and texture to the film’s world:
Dominic Lombardozzi delivers a memorable performance as Walnut, Viking’s dimwitted and trigger-happy sidekick.
Julia Jones portrays Aya, a sympathetic waitress caught in the crossfire of violence.
William Forsythe lends his presence to the role of Brock Calcote, the ruthless leader of the Denver drug cartel and Viking’s father.
David O’Hara adds a touch of dark humor as Sly, a flamboyant drug dealer who ends up in Nels’s sights.
Did Liam Neeson replace another actor in the role of Nels Coxman?
Yes! Interestingly, “Cold Pursuit” is an American remake of the 2014 Norwegian film “In Order of Disappearance” (Kraftidioten). The original film features Stellan Skarsgård in the lead role, playing a character named Nils. While Neeson brings his own intensity to the role, there’s a clear connection between the two films.
Did the cast of “Cold Pursuit” receive any awards for their performances?
While the film itself didn’t receive any major awards nominations, the individual performances were praised by critics. Liam Neeson’s portrayal of Nels was particularly well-received, solidifying his status as a leading action hero.
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