“Open 24 Hours” is a horror movie about a woman who works in a gas station and suffers from PTSD. She starts to see hallucinations and hears strange noises, leading her to believe that her ex-boyfriend is trying to kill her. The movie is full of jump scares and twists, leaving the viewer on the edge of their seat until the very end. It’s like a rollercoaster ride with unexpected drops and turns.
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Review
In the wee hours of the morning, when most of the world is asleep, there are still places that remain open. Gas stations, convenience stores, and diners are just some of the establishments that cater to night owls and nocturnal creatures. But what happens when one such place becomes a breeding ground for terror? This is the premise of “Open 24 Hours,” a horror movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The story centers around Mary (played by Vanessa Grasse), a young woman who has just been released from prison after serving time for accidentally setting fire to her ex-boyfriend’s house. She takes a job as a night shift clerk at a gas station in rural North Dakota, hoping to start anew and put her past behind her. But things take a turn for the worse when she starts seeing visions of her ex-boyfriend’s ghost and fears that he may be coming back to seek revenge.
The director, Padraig Reynolds, does an excellent job of building suspense and keeping the audience guessing. The lighting and camera work contribute to the eerie atmosphere, making even mundane tasks like restocking shelves seem ominous. The score is also worth noting; it adds an extra layer of tension without being overbearing.
Vanessa Grasse delivers a strong performance as Mary. She portrays her character’s vulnerability and fear convincingly, but also shows moments of bravery as she fights back against her tormentor. In an interview with Dread Central, Grasse spoke about preparing for the role: “I watched a lot of horror films to get myself in the mood… I also did research on PTSD since my character had been through traumatic experiences.” Her efforts paid off; Mary is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist.
The supporting cast also deserves praise. Brendan Fletcher plays Bobby, Mary’s co-worker who provides comic relief but also proves to be useful in the face of danger. Cole Vigue gives an unsettling performance as Mary’s ex-boyfriend, who appears in her hallucinations. And Daniel O’Meara is downright creepy as the gas station’s regular customer who may or may not have ulterior motives.
“Open 24 Hours” premiered at the Frightfest film festival in London in 2018 and has since gained a following among horror fans. It’s not hard to see why; the movie offers plenty of scares and a satisfying conclusion. However, it’s not without flaws. The pacing could be tighter, and some of the plot twists are predictable. But overall, “Open 24 Hours” is a solid entry in the horror genre.
One of the standout scenes involves Mary having to clean up a restroom after a customer makes a mess. It’s a mundane task, but the way Reynolds shoots it makes it feel like a nightmare. The grime and filth are palpable, and Mary’s increasing paranoia sets the stage for what’s to come.
Some critics have noted that “Open 24 Hours” bears similarities to other horror movies such as “The Ring” and “Deliverance.” While there may be some overlap in terms of themes and imagery, I would argue that Reynolds puts his own spin on things and creates something unique.
It’s worth noting that “Open 24 Hours” was shot entirely on location in North Dakota. This adds to the authenticity of the setting; you can feel the isolation and desolation of this part of America permeating through every frame.
In conclusion, “Open 24 Hours” is a movie that will appeal to horror fans looking for something fresh and unsettling. It boasts strong performances, effective direction, and an eerie score that will stick with you long after the credits roll. As Maya Angelou once said: “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Thankfully, with films like this one, we get to see those stories brought to life in all their terrifying glory.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 102
- Release : 2018-08-27
- Genre : Horror, Thriller
- Cast : Vanessa Grasse as Mary, Emily Tennant as Debbie, Brendan Fletcher as Bobby, Cole Vigue as James, Daniel O’Meara as Tom Doogan
- Crew : Christopher Moriana as Foley Artist, Ed Marx as Editor, Brad Gilmore as Casting Director, Christopher White as Thanks, Aleš Belak as Steadicam Operator
- Popularity 17.256
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Seahorse Filmhouse, Zee Studios International
- Summary : After setting her serial killer boyfriend on fire, a paranoid delusional woman gets a job at an all-night gas station. The isolation triggers her anxiety and hallucinations, with devastatingly gory results.
- Tagline : Pray you never run out of gas…
