Barron’s Cove

I love a good crime drama—in fact, they’re usually some of my favorite movies to watch. Films like The Usual Suspects, Se7en, Fargo, and Zodiac are ones I revisit at least once a year. With that said, I’m always on the lookout for the next classic that could earn a spot on that repeat list. That’s where Evan Ari Kelman’s new film Barron’s Cove comes in—a story about a grieving father and the lengths he’ll go to learn the truth and make things right.

Caleb (Garrett Hedlund) is an enforcer for Benji (Stephen Lang), a crime boss. Caleb is willing to use intimidation and violence to get the job done. In his personal life, he’s still dealing with his ex-wife Jackie (Brittany Snow) in an effort to spend more time with his son, whom he deeply loves. Despite that love, Caleb hasn’t always been a present parent, mainly due to the demands of his “work”. After missing yet another planned visit, Caleb tries to make amends—only to find out that his son is missing. Not long after, he’s informed that the boy’s remains were discovered by the railroad tracks following a brutal accident.

While Caleb is given a rundown of what supposedly happened, he can’t accept it. After uncovering a potential connection to Ethan (Christian Convery), the adopted son of Senator Lyle (Hamish Linklater), Caleb decides to take matters into his own hands. He kidnaps Ethan and brings him to a remote cabin, intending to interrogate him for answers.

Written and directed by Evan Ari Kelman, Barron’s Cove starts with a tight, at times claustrophobic setup, but eventually trades its promising first act for something that feels more like a TV crime drama. The story’s direction takes a dark turn as Caleb resorts to barbaric methods to get the truth from Ethan—only to face a boy who appears disturbingly devoid of emotion. While this initially raises the tension, Kelman begins adding more narrative elements, including Caleb’s reflection on his own failures as a father. Unfortunately, these additions bring the film down from its early promise to being just another crime thriller that fails to stand out.

Barron’s Cove begins grimly and never really lifts that weight. There are meaningful themes—like whether grief can push someone past the point of no return, or whether it can offer a path to redemption—but the film falters when Kelman tries to broaden the scope of Caleb’s desperate actions. This includes underdeveloped subplots involving Lyle’s family, tension with the police, and pressure from Caleb’s gangster boss, Benji. Add a runtime that’s longer than it needs to be, and you’re left with a film burdened by too much filler and not enough focus.

I really wanted to like Barron’s Cove, and for a while, I did. But ultimately, the film makes too many wrong turns, cheapening what could’ve been a compelling viewing experience.