12 Hour Shift (2020) Review

 "You are covered in blood and puke."
-Mikey



Mandy (Angela Bettis) is a drug-addicted nurse who steals organs from patients to sell them on the black market.  When her cousin, Regina (Chloe Farnworth), loses a kidney, it causes chaos for the operation and threatens to expose what Mandy has been up to.  As Mandy tries to clean up the mess, her shift becomes more and more insane as a psychotic killer breaks free and Regina tries to solve the problem on her own.


What Works:

12 Hour Shift might be my favorite movie of 2020 and that's due to the characters.  I'll get into the leads further down, but even the supporting characters are phenomenal.  All of them are weird, wacky, or doofy in their own way and there isn't a weak link among them.  Dusty Warren is excellent as the lackadaisical henchmen and the nursing staff is so strong, it almost feels like this could be a pilot episode for an awesome workplace comedy.  When David Arquette playing a psychotic killer is the least wacky character in your cast, you know you've struck gold.

Angela Betts is f**king incredible as the lead.  Even for a drug-addicted organ thief, she's incredibly relatable.  Her main gear is annoyed; annoyed with her coworkers, he patients, and especially Regina.  As she tries to get out of the situation, Mandy has to pretend to not be annoyed a few times and she isn't very good at it, which makes the situation even funnier.  She was absolutely perfect casting. 

Equally as good is Chloe Farnworth as Regina, who is an extremely dumb psychopath.  She can't seem to listen to what anyone says and lives completely in her own little bubble, but she isn't content to let other people solve her problems.  Regina is constantly taking action.  Unfortunately, she usually has no idea what she is doing and only makes things worse.  As wild card characters go, Regina is the cream of the the crop.

For such a morbid movie, this script is hilarious.  The dialogue captures the tone perfectly.  The movie never falters in keeping things light while all of the murder and mayhem is going on.  Major props to writer and director Brea Grant for this stellar work.

Finally, the movie has great cinematography and music that compliment each other well.  It gives the film flow that makes it seem like things are happening in real time, even if they aren't.  We feel like we are working this shift alongside Mandy and it really pulls you into the movie.


What Sucks:

I've got nothing for you.


Verdict:

12 Hour Shift is probably my favorite movie of 2020 with incredible writing, directing, cinematography, acting, and music.  Everyone fired on all cylinders to make this masterpiece and the performances from Bettis and Farnworth are out of this world.  Without a doubt, this movie has got it going on.

 10/10: Amazing 

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