Blood Father is a 2016 English-language French action crime thriller film directed by Jean-François Richet, written by Peter Craig based on his novel of the same name, and starring Mel Gibson, Erin Moriarty, Diego Luna, Michael Parks, and William H. Macy.

A young woman named Lydia buys ammunition at a megastore for her boyfriend Jonah Pincerna and his gang.

She contacts her estranged father, John Link, an ex-convict and recovering alcoholic out on parole after serving seven years in prison.

Lydia tells John about her life after running away from home and about Jonah, who turns out to be a well-connected member of a Mexican drug cartel.

John attempts to request a favor from his former mentor and friend, Preacher, who makes a living by collecting and selling war memorabilia.

At the motel alone, Lydia receives a call from Kirby, who says she is in danger and advises her to head to a crowded public place, like a theater.

While sitting down at a table, he's met by a visibly hostile gang led by Arturo, who smiles knowingly, implying that Jonah will be killed.

On 28 March 2014, Mel Gibson was in final talks to join the action thriller film Blood Father with Jean-François Richet as director.

Peter Craig wrote the script based on his own novel of the same name, while Why Not Productions and Chris Briggs would be producing the film.

The site's critical consensus states: "Blood Father meets every expectation a film fan could have for a latter-day Mel Gibson action thriller with its title -- and even, in some respects, handily exceeds them.

[16] Owen Glierberman of Variety wrote: "Blood Father is trash, but it does capture what an accomplished and winning actor Mel Gibson can be", and that the film "gives him the chance to show that he's still got it.