Cold Pressed

S. Viknesh's Cold Pressed shows a bit of mild genius even before we get started: We've seen this film before when constructed around drug smuggling and other platforms of organized crime, but here Viknesh chooses a legal and seemingly innocuous trade - olive oil importation - and shows us that our corruption of a regulated system and our thirst for controlling trade lines elicits human behavior no different than those we see around their highly illicit counterparts. The family tree of Cold Pressed clearly traces back to films like Scarface and The Godfather; not just in theme but in aesthetic tone. We see 1970's-evocative muted color tones in the film's finish; a subliminal masterstroke which leverages those great films in subtextual homage. An obvious student of the crime genre's history, Viknesh has also demonstrated the critical importance of male casting at the epicenter of these violent power struggles: With Cold Pressed, he's nailed that time-tested requirement, as Michael X. Sommers and Ted Harvey offer the prerequisite contrast of push-and-pull tension. "We're not dealing cocaine here, Bobby. No one needs to get hurt." No surer guarantee in film that someone is about to get hurt, and when they do, it's presented with the classically bloodied gangster stylings our inner voice has come to demand from the genre. Indeed, that's a great thing. With Cold Pressed, Viknesh presents something that we're drawn to both because of its familiarity and its concurrently fresh spin, and in doing so, he succeeds in delivering a film that owns its own space in a historically illustrious field.

This gritty drama has a great old school vibe and tackles greed and corruption in a way that makes the themes truly resonate. Guided along by a steady hand at the helm, this engaging character-driven thriller is buoyed by strong performances and sharp dialogue. It nicely ratchets up the tension and draws you in more and more as it progresses. The craftsmanship across the board is pretty first-rate, all resulting in some truly solid storytelling.

I really enjoyed this film. It has a very good concept of what is really going on today. I like how aggressive the actors are and clearly shows you don't mess with Italians. Strong acting and a great storyline!

The world of Italian gangsters in the USA. However, these gangsters aren't running numbers or peddling drugs, but dealing in dodgy olive oil. Quite unexpected. It's just as absorbing as any crime drama, and the lesser known subject matter gives the genre a seriously refreshing twist. Recommended.

This is a very solid movie. Even though it's not based on a true story it definitely makes u think about the crooked side of these oil companies. The story and the acting was solid and it keeps your interest throughout. Definitely a good watch

Very solid indie crime thriller. The interesting subject of olive oil does make for a great setting, and also otherwise the film everything it needs to grip your attention: great cast, storyline, good cinematography and direction. Have a look yourself!

Cold Pressed is a fun thriller that explores greed, corruption and shady characters that are willing to do a whole host of things to get an edge on life. It's a fresh take on an industry that isn't always explored in film and well acted throughout. Get ready to go to places you wouldn't expect!

I loved the look and feel of this film from the moment it started. The story feels real and relevant but also fresh and with a twist. A great thriller film for fans of the genre!