Overview"12 Hour Shift" is an offbeat 2020 dark funny thriller film directed and written by Brea Grant. The movie stars Angela Bettis, Chloe Farnworth, Kit Williamson, and David Arquette. Set in 1999, the plot revolves around a drug-addicted nurse, her meddling cousin, and a group of black-market organ-trafficking criminals.
PlotThe film starts with Nurse Mandy (Angela Bettis) beginning her regular 12-hour shift at a medical facility in suburban Arkansas. Mandy is portrayed as a nurse with a serious drug addiction practice, frequently snorting different illegal drugs simply to survive her tedious work nights. She's also involved in a prohibited organ-trafficking scheme, where she offers human organs gathered from dead clients to her cousin Regina (Chloe Farnworth) who then sells them to a well-known regional bad guy, Nicholas (Mick Foley).
The plot tangles when Regina accidentally misplaces a kidney meant for delivery at the hands of Nicholas. In a desperate effort to repair the blunder, Regina starts a chaotic quest to find a replacement kidney within the medical facility. This involves Regina trying to eliminate an unconscious patient for a kidney and ultimately kidnapping another hospital personnel as a replacement. In the middle of the confusion, a dangerous convict, Jefferson (David Arquette), from the hospital's jail wing adds another layer of unforeseen mayhem.
Theme and StyleThe film is a special blend of funny, horror, criminal offense, and gore. In spite of the grim style of organ trafficking, the film is packed with comedic minutes frequently stemmed from the absurdity and unpredictability the characters' decisions. The tone of the movie is quite dark and is supplemented by gore-filled scenes. Sometimes, the motion picture also parodies the melodrama commonly discovered in healthcare facility dramas.
Grant's approach in "12 Hour Shift" contrasts starkly versus the traditional depiction of heroism of healthcare experts, rather supplying a cynical and humorous twist in the setting of a healthcare facility. The characters are far from ethically righteous, offering audiences an alternative take on the expected sanctity of the medical facility environment and its members.
Reception"12 Hour Shift" cuts loose with a fairly low budget plan, yet manages to deliver a memorable story with unconventional characters living in monstrous situations. Bettis effectively represents the seasoned nurse, offering an interesting performance that is boosted by the director's eccentric style. The motion picture might not attract everybody due to its dark comedic take on sensitive topics like drug addiction and organ trafficking, but it has been praised by critics for its captivating storyline and good performances.
The film has actually gotten attention and critical acclaim for its original premise, engaging performances, and the successful interweaving of the dark-comedy elements with criminal activity and horror categories. Its success at different global film celebrations also speaks volumes about the layered story and characterization that "12 Hour Shift" brings to the table.
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