The Cold Father

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.

A man released from prison goes on a journey to find his daughter. That's the starting premise of this story and it leads to a few twists and turns and surprises as he uncovers the truth. He learns as much about himself and what he's capable of doing as he goes on his mission. Luthuli Dlamani is the lead character and he holds the story together through his strong, commanding presence. He skillfully walks the fine line between being ruthless and determined like an ex-criminal and being empathetic and sensitive as a father searching for his daughter. His character has a cold streak that might disconnect from others but the film makes you understand his methods and motives. The writer-director, Henry Charly, keeps the direction tight on the narrative. Charly also served as cinematographer and beautifully shoots Cape Town in both warm and cool tones, befitting the lead character's own journey. I'm looking forward to seeing this filmmaker's next film.

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!

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.

I just watched The Cold Father and, in my opinion, it's a slow burn, but it really pulls you into its dark and intense world. Jack Devnarain who plays David and Luthuli Dlamini as Winston both deliver solid performances that kept me invested throughout. I especially enjoyed the cinematography and the beautiful locations, which really enhanced the atmosphere. However, I did notice some issues with the sound quality - there were a few moments when the audio didn't feel as polished as the visuals. If you like gritty, slow-paced dramas as much as I do, The Cold Father it's definitely worth a watch.