Directed by
Hans Petter Moland
Made by
Lionsgate
Discover the intricate plot of Cold Pursuit (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Nels Coxman, portrayed by Liam Neeson, leads a tranquil existence as a snowplow operator in the upscale Colorado ski resort of Kehoe, where his hard work recently earned him the title of “Citizen of the Year.” However, his peaceful life is brutally shattered when his son, Kyle, played by Micheál Richardson, falls victim to a forced heroin overdose that stems from a gang-related kidnapping orchestrated by criminals Speedo, enacted by Michael Eklund, and Limbo, interpreted by Bradley Stryker. In the chaos, Kyle is injected with heroin while Dante, performed by Wesley MacInnes, makes a harrowing escape from the scene.
Devastated by the loss of their son, Nels’ wife, Grace, brought to life by Laura Dern, succumbs to deep grief and a psychotic breakdown, leaving Nels alone in his sorrow. Convinced that Kyle was not the drug addict he was made out to be, Nels finds himself contemplating an end to his life when he gets a critical lead from Dante—in hiding in Nels’ storage unit—revealing that Kyle was murdered by a Denver drug cartel. Nels uncovers the truth that Kyle had become entangled with Viking’s men, leading to his tragic end after losing a shipment of cocaine.
Fueled by anguish and the need for vengeance, Nels meticulously crafts a custom sniper rifle and begins his quest for revenge against Speedo. His investigation leads him to a nightclub where he confronts Speedo, ultimately killing him before disposing of his body in the river. The trail continues as Nels tracks Limbo to his workplace at a wedding dress shop, where he meets the same fate, after drawing vital information about Santa, the drug supplier, portrayed by Michael Adamthwaite.
After a deadly confrontation with Santa on the road, Nels finds himself grappling with the aftermath of his actions, having disposed of all three bodies expertly wrapped in chicken wire to ensure they don’t surface. The cartel’s ruthless leader, Trevor “Viking” Calcote, played by Tom Bateman, becomes increasingly suspicious of a rival gang leader, White Bull, as he faces the repercussions of losing his men and a significant cocaine shipment.
Viking’s family dynamics become strained as he deals with the bullying his son Ryan faces at school and the custody battle with his Ute ex-wife, Aya, brought to life by Julia Jones. The tension escalates when Viking retaliates by having members of White Bull’s gang murdered, unknowingly triggering a gang war that impacts both families.
Amidst the violence, Nels seeks counsel from his brother Brock, portrayed by William Forsythe, who enlightens him about Kyle’s involvement with Viking’s cartel and the necessary steps to take on such a daunting foe. Brock insists that a hit on Viking requires the expertise of “The Eskimo,” a hitman played by Arnold Pinnock. However, upon realizing he can profit from both sides, the Eskimo’s treachery leads to his demise at Viking’s hands.
As tensions rise, Officer Dash, played by Emmy Rossum, and her partner Gip, characterized by John Doman, begin to piece together the series of violent events unraveling in their small town. Meanwhile, Nels’ desperate attempt to protect Ryan leads him to kidnap the boy first, aiming to trap Viking in an ambush. This plot thickens further when Viking learns of Nels’ identity, culminating in a gripping confrontation filled with betrayal and bloodshed.
The climax sees an explosive showdown at the snowplow company, resulting in a fierce gunfight where Viking finds himself cornered by Nels. In a final twist of fate, both men find an uneasy resolution in their shared grief, symbolized by their unlikely alliance as they leave the chaos behind while Nels tries to care for Ryan.
The film concludes with a darkly poetic ending, as Avalanche’s untimely demise adds a chilling final touch to Nels’ quest for revenge, leaving the audience grappling with the moral complexities of vengeance and the impact of loss.
Track the key events of Cold Pursuit (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Nels' Peaceful Life
Nels Coxman, a dedicated snowplow operator, enjoys a tranquil life in the upscale Colorado ski resort of Kehoe. His hard work earns him the prestigious title of 'Citizen of the Year,' reflecting his commitment to his community.
Tragic Loss
Nels' life is shattered when his son, Kyle, falls victim to a forced heroin overdose due to a gang-related kidnapping. This horrific event sets off a chain reaction of grief and vengeance for Nels.
Grace's Breakdown
Devastated by the death of their son, Nels' wife, Grace, succumbs to overwhelming grief. Her psychotic breakdown leaves Nels to contend with his sorrow and isolation as he grapples with the painful reality of his son's murder.
Dante's Revelation
In a turning point, Nels discovers Dante, a witness hiding in his storage unit, who reveals the horrifying truth: Kyle was murdered by a Denver drug cartel. This information rekindles Nels' resolve to seek vengeance.
Crafting the Sniper Rifle
Fueled by anguish, Nels meticulously crafts a custom sniper rifle as part of his quest for revenge against his son's killers. This marks the transition from bereavement to a determined pursuit of justice.
Confronting Speedo
Nels tracks down Speedo to a nightclub where a confrontation ensues. In a calculated move, Nels eliminates Speedo, disposing of the body in a river, drawing him deeper into a world of violence.
Eliminating Limbo
Continuing his revenge plan, Nels locates Limbo at a wedding dress shop. After threatening Limbo, he learns critical information about Santa, the drug supplier, before executing him to further his mission.
Deadly Confrontation with Santa
Nels engages in a dangerous confrontation with Santa on the road, reinforcing his commitment to dismantling the drug cartel responsible for his son's death. The body count rises as Nels wraps Santa's body in chicken wire.
Viking's Family Struggles
As Viking faces the fallout from losing his men, his family dynamics become strained. His challenges with his son and ex-wife add layers to his character, complicating the ongoing gang war.
Seeking Guidance from Brock
In search of advice, Nels reaches out to his brother Brock, who reveals Kyle's ties to Viking's cartel. Brock stresses the importance of employing expert help to confront such a formidable foe like Viking.
The Eskimo's Treachery
Brock mentions the hitman known as 'The Eskimo' to help Nels with Viking. However, The Eskimo's double-crossing nature leads to his downfall at the hands of Viking, showcasing the treachery within the criminal underbelly.
Officer Dash Investigates
Officer Dash and her partner Gip begin to investigate the strange occurrences in their small town. As they piece together the violent events, they find themselves increasingly drawn into Nels' quest for revenge.
Kidnapping Ryan
In a desperate attempt to protect Viking's son, Ryan, Nels kidnaps the boy, hoping to lure Viking into an ambush. This dangerous game heightens the tension between the two men, setting the stage for a final showdown.
Climactic Showdown
The film reaches its climax as Nels and Viking engage in an explosive gunfight at the snowplow company. Their confrontation forces both men to reflect on their grief and loss, culminating in an unexpected alliance.
The Dark Resolution
In a chilling conclusion, the aftermath of Nels' revenge journey leaves a lingering question about the morality of vengeance. Nels attempts to find solace as the complexities of loss and violence hang over him.
Meet the characters that bring Cold Pursuit (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Nels Coxman
Nels Coxman is depicted as a hardworking man whose life of tranquility is shattered by the loss of his son. His character evolves from a respected citizen to a relentless avenger, driven by sorrow and anger. Nels demonstrates resilience and a tactical mind, allowing him to navigate the violent underbelly of his community.
Grace Coxman
Grace Coxman is portrayed as a grieving mother who succumbs to despair following the tragedy of her son’s death. Her psychotic breakdown highlights the profound effects of loss on mental health and family dynamics. Grace's character serves as a poignant reminder of the collateral damage that comes with violence and addiction.
Trevor 'Viking' Calcote
Viking, the cartel leader, personifies the ruthless reality of the drug trade. His character is complex, revealing vulnerabilities as he manages familial conflicts while navigating gang rivalries. Viking's actions are driven by a sense of survival, highlighting the harsh realities of his dangerous lifestyle.
Officer Dash
Officer Dash is a determined member of law enforcement attempting to piece together the violent occurrences in her town. Her character brings a sense of justice and urgency, representing those who seek to restore order amidst chaos. Dash's interactions with Nels and the unfolding events highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement in handling crime.
Uncover the settings of Cold Pursuit (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting the challenges faced in a modern society plagued by drug-related crime and violence. It highlights the impact of gang activity on families and communities, resonating with current social issues surrounding addiction and vengeance.
Location
Kehoe, Colorado
Kehoe is an upscale ski resort town in Colorado known for its picturesque snowy landscapes and winter sports. It attracts tourists and locals alike, providing a serene backdrop for Nels Coxman’s life as a snowplow operator until tragedy strikes. The contrasting beauty of the setting emphasizes the violence and chaos that disrupt Nels' previously tranquil existence.
Explore the core themes of Cold Pursuit (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Grief
Grief plays a central role in Nels Coxman's journey as he confronts the devastating loss of his son. His anguish propels him into a quest for vengeance, illustrating how deep sorrow can lead individuals down dark paths. The film explores the different ways characters cope with loss, impacting their decisions and relationships.
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Vengeance
The theme of vengeance is prevalent throughout the movie, driving Nels to take justice into his own hands. His transformation from a peaceful citizen to a ruthless avenger highlights the moral complexities surrounding revenge. The film raises questions about the consequences of such actions on personal and familial levels.
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Crime
The criminal underworld depicted in the film underscores the struggles between rival gangs and the effects of drug trafficking. It presents a stark view of how crime infiltrates everyday life, impacting innocent individuals. The interplay between law enforcement and gang leaders adds layers to the narrative, reflecting a broader commentary on societal issues.
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