Cold in July (2014) | Rotten Tomatoes (2025)

84% Tomatometer 118 Reviews 67% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings

The killing of a home intruder puts a Texas man (Michael C. Hall) and his family on the radar of the dead man's vengeful father (Sam Shepard).

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Cold in July

Cold in July

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Critics Consensus

Boasting plenty of twists, a suitably seedy tone, and a memorable supporting turn from Don Johnson, Cold in July proves an uncommonly rewarding thriller.

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Critics Reviews

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Cold in July (2014) | Rotten Tomatoes (1) Bruce DeMara Toronto Star A well-paced story that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats as it bucks and rolls in unexpected directions to a bloody and satisfying climax. Rated: 3.5/4 Dec 11, 2014 Full Review Cold in July (2014) | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Mark Kermode Observer (UK) As for the performances, they're ripe and rich, even though the three core characters sometimes appear to be starring in entirely different movies. Rated: 3/5 Jun 29, 2014 Full Review Cold in July (2014) | Rotten Tomatoes (3) Donald Clarke Irish Times It would be lovely to see the missing halves of these two intriguing pictures. They must be out there somewhere. Rated: 3/5 Jun 27, 2014 Full Review Cold in July (2014) | Rotten Tomatoes (4) JD Duran InSession Film The first half is a riveting thriller with a great mystery that’s well executed and gripping on all fronts. The second half is more mundane, dull and been done before. However, there’s still some good things thematically throughout... Rated: B Aug 19, 2024 Full Review Cold in July (2014) | Rotten Tomatoes (5) Matthew Turner VODzilla.co This is a superbly written and enjoyably pulpy neo-noir that delivers offbeat thrills and some blackly comic laughs, thanks to Mickle’s confident direction and a trio of terrific performances. Rated: 8/10 May 11, 2022 Full Review Cold in July (2014) | Rotten Tomatoes (6) Nicholas Bell IONCINEMA.com Undoubtedly simple, Cold in July may not be for all tastes, but it is one of the best examples of vintage styling to come about in some time, and on nearly every possible front. Rated: 3.5/5 Nov 3, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (428) audience reviews

Beverly B What an amazing thrill ride. It keeps you on edge from start to finish. The acting from all was FABULOUS! Loved it!😎😁😀💞 Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/16/24 Full Review matthew C Stick with it and ot just so otiginal and atmospheric and memorable. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/21/24 Full Review Sdj A hard R for violence. A truly gripping story.Can't go wrong with Don Johnson and Sam Shepard. Surprised me that Michael C. Hall could fit in well with these two icons! Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/11/24 Full Review KB B I've seen a number of movies like this but this had an interesting twist. The criminal activity in this was so dark. MC Hall should have fired his hair stylist as the short mullet was not at all flattering. Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/03/24 Full Review neil t No one talks about this film, why? It's absolute class..... Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/16/23 Full Review Test T The story is good, and so is the cast and the soundtrack, but many of the scenes are set in dark locations, and/or at night, so it is often quite difficult to see what's going on. I know it's supposed to be atmospheric, but I really want to see the action as well. Rated 2.5/5 Stars • Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 10/01/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Cold in July

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Cast & Crew

Jim Mickle Director Michael C. Hall Richard Dane Sam Shepard Ben Russell Vinessa Shaw Ann Dane Don Johnson Jim Bob Luke Nick Damici Ray Price
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Synopsis The killing of a home intruder puts a Texas man (Michael C. Hall) and his family on the radar of the dead man's vengeful father (Sam Shepard).

Director
Jim Mickle

Producer
Linda Moran, Rene Bastian, Adam Folk, Marie Savare

Screenwriter
Jim Mickle, Nick Damici

Distributor
IFC Films

Production Co
Bullet Films

Rating
R (Language|Disturbing Bloody Violence|Some Sexuality/Nudity)

Genre
Drama, Mystery & Thriller

Original Language
English

Release Date (Theaters)
May 23, 2014, Limited

Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 30, 2017

Box Office (Gross USA)
$414.6K

Runtime
1h 49m
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