It’s a pretty macho way of saying “biological father”. Mel Gibson brings the bearded patriarch rage in this smart drama-thriller, adapted by Peter Craig from his novel, and directed by Jean-François Richet, who gave us the Assault on Precinct 13 remake and the 70s-set Mesrine thrillers with Vincent Cassel. It’s a muscular piece of work, yet disciplined in its belligerence. There’s an unexpectedly engaging performance from Gibson and terrific supporting turns from William H Macy as his neighbour and AA sponsor, and from Erin Moriarty as his wayward daughter. Link (Gibson) is a lonely ex-con and recovering alcoholic, on probation and running a tattoo business from his scuzzy trailer. He is tormented by thoughts of his lost daughter, Lydia (Moriarty), the product of a marriage that broke up long ago. She ran away from her mom and stepdad at 14. But suddenly this terrified young woman shows up out of nowhere, having got in with some scary criminals who now want to kill her. So Link has to rediscover his inner badass and protect his basically decent flesh-and-blood against the bullies. The debate about the statute of limitations on Gibson’s off-camera disgrace may yet continue, but he carries this picture, there’s no doubt about it: a haggard, exhausted man who finds something left inside for a final battle.
