New Like Father Like Son Image Showcases A Murderous And Terrifying Dermot Mulroney

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A new image showcases one of the creepy title characters from Like Father Like Son. The new movie, which debuts in theaters and on digital on January 31, 2025, was directed by Barry Jay (The Way Out, Killer Therapy). It features My Best Friend's Wedding and Scream VI star Dermot Mulroney as an imprisoned murderer who encourages his son (Oh, Canada's Dylan Flashner) to embrace his killer instincts while behind bars. The cast of the movie also includes Ariel Winter, Vivica A. Fox, and Mayim Bialik.

ScreenRant can now share an exclusive first-look image from Like Father Like Son. The image shows Mulroney's character Gabe in his prison uniform while sitting outside on a supervised visit that appears to be with his son, Eli. At the time of writing, it is unknown at what point in the story the scene depicted takes place, as most of the duo's interactions seen in the original trailer occur in a more typical prison visit scenario with a sheet of glass between them. See the full-size image below:

The Twisted Familial Bond Drives The Story Of Like Father Like Son

Eli May Not Be Able To End The Cycle Of Violence

This image highlights the unique familial bond that provides the core of Like Father Like Son. Although the outdoor visit could be early on in the movie before Gabe is charged with anything, it seems more likely that it takes place later in the story. As the usual physical barrier between father and son has been removed in this visit, it is probable that it reflects their metaphorical closeness as their emotional barrier is also dissolving, with Eli falling more under his father's sway and potentially struggling even more against embracing his natural murderous instincts.

Gabe's encouragement of the conflicted Eli completely flips the script...

Like Father Like Son is something of a twist on the paternal relationship at the core of the popular Showtime serial killer series Dexter. That show followed a charming serial killer who had no desire to curb his murderous urges, so his father Harry provided him with a code to follow that allowed him to get away with murder without being caught while simultaneously limiting his targets to dangerous people who pose a threat to others. While Harry was a semi-reluctant participant in Dexter's lifestyle, in Like Father Like Son, Gabe's encouragement of the conflicted Eli completely flips the script.

Dermot Mulroney Makes For An Especially Eerie Murderer

The Actor Is Playing Against Type

As this image highlights, Dermot Mulroney's chilling performance fuels the psychological thriller aspect of Like Father Like Son. Although he is better known for his roles in romantic movies like 2023's Anyone But You, he is clearly drawing from his experience in recent horror movies such as Scream VI and Insidious: Chapter 3 to fuel what may prove to be the most intense performance of his career so far.