The Cold Light of Day, released in theaters on September 7, 2012, attempts to capitalize on its star power but ultimately delivers a convoluted and uneven ride.
The plot follows Will Shaw (Henry Cavill), a young American who travels to Spain to meet his family for a sailing holiday. The trip takes a dark turn when he returns from a brief excursion to find his family has been kidnapped.
Desperate and alone in a foreign country, Will is thrust into a terrifying conspiracy as he soon discovers that his seemingly ordinary father, Martin (Bruce Willis), is a high-level CIA operative who has been targeted by a dangerous group.
Will must navigate the treacherous streets of Madrid, evading both a ruthless CIA agent named Jean Carrack (Sigourney Weaver) and the mysterious kidnappers, all while trying to find out what his father was involved in and where his family has been taken.
The film’s strength lies in its fast-paced, albeit chaotic, action sequences and its vibrant Spanish setting, which provides a dramatic backdrop for the cat-and-mouse chase.
Cavill, in an early lead role, shows flashes of the action hero he would become, while Weaver and Willis provide their usual gravitas to the proceedings.
However, Willis’s role is largely a cameo, which may disappoint viewers hoping for more of the screen-duo dynamic.
The cast also features strong performance from Caroline Goodall as Will’s mother and Colm Meaney in a supporting role.
The film’s primary weakness is its confusing and predictable plot, which fails to live up to the promise of its talented cast.
Henry Cavill in The Cold Light of Day (Photo/Lionsgate)
Reception for The Cold Light of Day
The Cold Light of Day grossed $1.8 million on its opening weekend, finishing 13th at the box office.
The film would gross $16.9 million worldwide.
Legacy
The Cold Light of Day is a film that’s often remembered for being a pre-superhero-era role for Cavill and a late-career action vehicle for Willis. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the globe-trotting spy thriller, even when the execution is flawed.
For fans of the cast, it’s an interesting footnote in their filmographies, showcasing an ambitious but ultimately missed opportunity to create a memorable action film.
