Wasted Hours (2018)

Wasted Hours Poster

Youth is a feeling. Three stories intersect on a day of school in Pensacola, Florida. The film is a naturalistic portrayal of a class of teenagers in the slightly surreal Florida tourist town. It blends comedy with drama in a realistic manner. Shot on Super 16, the film feels like a memory of a hot summer day in Florida years ago.

Introduction
"Wasted Hours" is a gripping 2018 mental thriller movie directed by Ansel Adams and written by Janine Harder. The motion picture takes pride in a talented cast, featuring Emma Ellison, Noah Bowler, and Sadie Timberlake. The movie revolves around the interwoven lives of 3 strangers and explores a number of human emotions, including loss, despair, hope, and forgiveness. It not only keeps the audience on the edge of their seat but also makes them empathize with the flawed yet relatable characters and their unique journeys.

Plot Overview
The film opens with three parallel storylines - among a grieving single mom, Laura (Emma Ellison), experiencing the loss of her teenage daughter in a hit-and-run accident; the second of a guilt-ridden young man, Jack (Noah Bowler), running from his haunted past; and finally, the 3rd is of a widowed senior man, George (Sadie Timberlake), grieving the loss of his better half and dealing with loneliness.

These relatively unrelated individuals discover themselves brought together by fate, as the weaves in their stories gradually intermingle. Laura becomes an insomniac due to the consistent trauma of her child's death, causing a series of late-night community strolls for a sense of solace.

Throughout one such walk, she experiences George, a caring older guy who becomes an unanticipated confidante for Laura. They bond over late-night conversations, where they share their feelings and grief, ultimately finding comfort in each other's business.

Meanwhile, Jack has problem with the regret of inadvertently triggering the hit-and-run accident while driving under the influence. Fearful of being found, Jack secludes himself from his loved ones, leading a life of self-loathing and seclusion.

The Interconnection
As the movie progresses, scenarios slowly unravel that result in an intersection of all 3 storylines. On an eventful night, Jack checks out a regional bar to drown his sorrows and ends up getting badly intoxicated. On his way back home, he stumbles upon Laura and George conversing by a park bench.

Sustained by alcohol and not able to manage his emotional outburst, Jack confesses to triggering Laura's child's mishap, whipping up an emotionally charged encounter in between the three characters. However, there is an unanticipated turn of events that alters the entire direction of their lives.

Climax
In the climax, during the heated fight, Laura struggles to discover it in her heart to forgive Jack for taking away her child's life. In spite of Jack's desperate pleas for forgiveness, Laura is not able to let go of her animosity and discomfort.

However, in a beautifully portrayed minute, George becomes the voice of reason, sharing his experience of losing his better half and their child in a previous mishap, which was likewise triggered by a drunk driver. George reveals that he eventually forgave the individual who eliminated his family, realizing that forgiveness was a needed process for his own recovery and individual development.

Taking George's words to heart, Laura lastly finds the strength and compassion within her to forgive Jack. This forgiveness not only sets Jack totally free but also allows Laura to start to recover and conquer her grief.

Conclusion
"Wasted Hours" is a poignant account of loss, forgiveness, and human connection. It dives deep into the personal battles of individuals grappling with the effects of their actions and the irrevocable loss of liked ones. The film is an effective suggestion of the value of forgiveness, not only for the one forgiven but also for the one letting go. The remarkable efficiencies by the lead cast, coupled with the emotionally-charged plot, leave an enduring influence on the audience. "Wasted Hours" is a must-watch for those who value a well-crafted, character-driven psychological thriller.

Top Cast

  • Jeremy London (small)
    Jeremy London
    Mr. Holmes
  • Nicole Dickson
    Mrs. Gibbs
  • Teance Blackburn
    Mrs. Kalinowski
  • Andrew Wilson Williams (small)
    Andrew Wilson Williams
    Ryan
  • Ashley Ames (small)
    Ashley Ames
    Sam
  • Phil Baker (small)
    Phil Baker
    Mr. Woodard
  • Scott Alan Warner
    Shirtless Man
  • Noah Brill
    Sean
  • B.G. Kumbi
    Junior
  • Lemmie Crews
    Ron the Bouncer
  • Robert Gill
    Chris