Our Review

                           Movie: BARRON’S COVE

                   Rating: R, violence and language                                                         Length: 1:56

                        Release Date: June 6, 2025

Jeanne: Garrett Hedlund stars as Caleb, a father out of his mind after his young and only son, Barron, (Dante Hale), is found dead on rural railroad tracks. Caleb has a propensity for violence, but his saving grace was his son. Written and directed by Evan Ari Kelman, BARRON’S COVE is a dramatic thriller that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

When Caleb is told that Barron has committed suicide, he knows that it’s not the truth. Despite his shady past, he and Barron had a devoted relationship, and he never sensed that his son was troubled. Barron’s friend, Ethan (Christian Convery), is the adopted son of a powerful politician, Lyle (Hamish Linklater), who’s running for a state senate seat. Ethan claims that Barron was suicidal because of Caleb.

To get to the truth, Caleb kidnaps Ethan, which causes problems for Caleb’s boss, Benji (Stephen Lang), who is in cahoots with Lyle. It also brings up old issues with his ex-wife, Jackie (Brittany Snow), Barron’s mother. Law enforcement and Lyle’s thugs are out in force trying to find Caleb and Ethan, who escape to a cottage left to Barron by his grandfather. The cabin is named Barron’s Cove.

Kelman has dedicated his film to his late father, Charles Kelman, who invented cataract surgery. He and his father had a very close relationship until Charles died when Kelman was twelve. His screenplay reflects the tight bond he enjoyed with his dad, as we learn a lot about Caleb’s love for Barron --- and Barron’s love in return.

BARRON’S COVE is a thriller driven by a strong performance from Hedlund. It’s not difficult to believe he’s a hot head, but as the story progresses, a different side of Caleb emerges --- and Hedlund makes that believable, as well.

He and Convery establish a connection which becomes the main focus of BARRON’S COVE. The more time they spend together creates doubt for Caleb as to why Ethan doesn’t seem to want to go home. Convery gives an impressive turn as this very disturbed child.

While Kelman’s movie isn’t completely engrossing, it does hold your interest throughout. I was a tad disappointed in the ending, but in hindsight, it is probably the best way the writer/director could conclude this saga.

Opinion: Wait for VOD

David: In BARRON’S COVE, veteran actor Garrett Hedlund plays Caleb, a father in rural America with a history of violence, who learns that his son Barron has died in an especially brutal manner. Caleb is desperate to find out what happened to his son especially because the local police conclude his son’s death was a suicide.

Caleb (Hedland) isn’t buying it. He decides to kidnap Ethan (Christian Convery), whom Caleb believes was involved in his son’s death. Ethan also happens to be the son of a corrupt politician (Hamish Linklater), adding another layer of intrigue to the film.

First time feature director Evan Ari Kelman, who also wrote the screenplay, touches on various relationships, including Caleb’s current one with his ex-wife played by Brittany Snow. One might argue the film is a bit too long, but Hedland, as the film’s centerpiece, renders a powerful performance as the grieving and angry father.

Perhaps if Kelman had delved further into the relationship between Caleb and Ethan it would have made for a more satisfying and emotional story. Still, BARRON’S COVE is a worthy first attempt by the writer/director.

Opinion: Wait for VOD