The Cold Father

If you enjoy indie thrillers then you won't want to miss this one. The Cold Father is a well shot, fast paced, properly acted film about a father searching for his daughter. It just happens to be that the father was recently released from prison and his daughter has seemingly gotten mixed up with some shady people. Being from the states it is fun to see indie films set in locations I've never been before. From Johannesburg to Cape Town South Africa the locations are beautiful! The cinematography was well done, although it was a bit shaky at times for me. A stand out scene was the really cool dolly shot that circled the talent during an interrogation, it wasn't till the end credits that I saw it wasn't actually a dolly but some kind of raised platform DIY setup. Always super cool to see a little behind the curtain. All in all I would say The Cold Father is a good watch if you are up for a brisk 74 minute Mystery Thriller!

A standout performance by Luthuli Dlamini in the lead role of Anthony. A recently released South African master thief witnesses his life come full circle as he returns to the free world to comb the Cape Town underworld in search of his only living daughter. Anthony is immediately likeable and his story is intriguing. Writer/director Henry Charly cleverly seduces the viewer with Anthony's charming and magnetic persona, long before it's revealed what malice he's capable of. With the demeanor of an ivy league college professor, his slim build, and a look that quantifies every bit of his 55 years, Anthony is cold and calculating, and relentless in his quest.

The film conveys a real sense of lost time, and there is no disconnect for the audience when it comes to Anthony's inner fight to sever the institutionalism of prison that haunts a seasoned con being flushed back into society. Overhead establishing drone shots of the sprawling neon of Johannesburg and the resort city of Cape Town add a perfect atmosphere of distance. Anthony walks the crowded streets, but completely alone. The polygraph which does not detect lies, but rather fear; something used on Anthony, that ultimately becomes his weapon of choice on a quest he simply can do nothing more but see it through to the end. The film is soaked in a blue hue-it provides texture for The Cold Father, but also implies the rising tide. In his quest he is indomitable, but ultimately, Anthony is the victim of stolen years, and not enough time.

This captivating film set in South Africa is about a father who will stop at nothing to find out what happened to his missing daughter who went missing while he was in jail.

This film is well told, beautifully acted and cinematically appealing. The cinematography and shots of South Africa are stunning. The choices of shots made by director Henry Charly perfectly compliment the tone of the film and compliment the emotionality of the actors.

This father's love is so strong that he does some questionable things to find out the truth about his daughter, he is cold, practices some criminal behavior but he does it out of love for his daughter and you can't help but root for him.

The Cold Father is a gripping slow-burn thriller that follows Anthony, a recently released master thief, as he searches the underworld of Cape Town for his missing daughter. Luthuli Dlamini delivers a standout performance, skillfully portraying Anthony's cold and calculating nature while balancing his deep, emotional desperation as a father. Director Henry Charly creates a tense atmosphere, using stunning cinematography to capture both the beauty and isolation of South Africa's cities.

The film successfully combines elements of noir with a character-driven story, pulling viewers into Anthony's dark world as he uncovers hard truths while utilizing prison-honed interrogation techniques. With a captivating plot and well-developed characters, The Cold Father keeps you emotionally invested in Anthony's journey as he battles the scars of his past and the weight of lost time. The direction is tight, and the pacing remains consistent, offering a blend of tense drama and action. Though it deals with familiar themes, the film's unique setting, strong performances, and immersive storytelling elevate it, making it a worthwhile and engaging watch for fans of gritty thrillers.

If you're in the mood for a gripping crime thriller that beautifully blends tension and emotion, The Cold Father is a must-watch. It draws you into its dark and intense world right from the start, immersing you in a story that's as emotionally charged as it is suspenseful. The solid performances from the cast are both compelling and relatable, creating a connection with the audience that makes you invest in their journeys. The cinematography shines, capturing the stunning landscapes of South Africa while enhancing the film's gritty atmosphere. If you appreciate slow-burn narratives with depth and a strong character focus, you'll find The Cold Father to be a rewarding experience that lingers long after the credits roll!