Kiernan Shipka and Krysten Ritter lead a tonally uneven revenge story
Summary
– Stone Cold Fox struggles with tone and style despite a strong cast
– Kiernan Shipka and Krysten Ritter deliver uneven performances
– Kiefer Sutherland stands out as a corrupt cop but can’t elevate the film
Stone Cold Fox aims for retro revenge thrills but ends up trapped between genres. Director Sophie Tabet’s 80s-set crime drama follows Fox, played by Kiernan Shipka, as she escapes an abusive criminal commune only to be pulled back in when her sister is kidnapped by her former boss, Goldie, played by Krysten Ritter.
While the setup sounds promising, the film never quite finds its rhythm. Shipka gives a capable performance, but her character lacks depth and drive. Ritter’s Goldie tries to command the screen but comes off as more theatrical than menacing, undermining the tension.
Kiefer Sutherland provides the film’s most decisive moments as Sergeant Billy Breaker, a corrupt cop with a mean streak. His presence brings flashes of energy to an otherwise flat story, though the script limits him to a single, predictable note. Jamie Chung’s supporting role as Officer Corbett feels underused, adding little to the film’s core conflict.
Visually, Stone Cold Fox can’t decide what era it wants to evoke. Though set in the 1980s, it leans into psychedelic 1960s and 1970s aesthetics, complete with roller disco visuals and a grainy, over-stylized filter. The editing attempts flair but instead distracts from the lack of substance.
Sophie Tabet’s debut suffers from pacing and tonal whiplash. Despite the potential for a gritty revenge tale, the story feels sanitized, with abrupt detours and a clumsy finale that ties things up too neatly. Even with a talented cast, the film fails to grip emotionally or narratively.
Stone Cold Fox aims to be bold and stylish, but ultimately feels generic. Its slick visuals and strong performances can’t overcome weak writing and an identity crisis that leaves it stranded between parody and sincerity.
