A Comedy Crime Thriller with a Twist
Burn (2019), directed by the promising Mike Gan, is a quirky blend of comedy, crime, and thriller that dares to venture into the realms of unpredictability, much like grabbing a lion by the tail. This movie review will unravel the layers of an oddly intriguing film where mundane moments erupt into madness, inviting us to step inside a world where the characters are as volatile as the flickering neon gas station lights.
A Gritty Plot That Defies Expectations
Oh, to be a fly on the wall at this gas station—a setting that promises more excitement than the usual attendant encounter, and boy, does Gan deliver. The film centers around a robbing spree led by a desperate man, played with raw energy by Josh Hutcherson, who is just looking for an easy score. But his night takes a detour when he runs into Melinda, portrayed by the multi-faceted Tilda Cobham-Hervey, a lonely and unstable gas station attendant. In a movie world filled with typical heroines, Melinda is the eccentric underdog, tired of hiding in the shadows of her more charming co-worker, Sheila, brought to life by the lively Suki Waterhouse.
The Unlikely Connection at a Roadside Gas Station
Neither the robber nor the viewer can quite predict the progressive layers of tension and unlikely camaraderie that bubble up like boiling soup in a poorly tended pot. Melinda sees the hold-up as a serendipitous chance to forge a bond, albeit with someone holding a gun, a sardonic twist to the usual fare. The film dances between moments of sharp intensity and offbeat hilarity, making us question who we should be rooting for.
Character Dynamics and Performances
The beauty of Burn lies in its character dynamics—each one as vibrantly flawed and human as they come. While Cobham-Hervey anchors the film with her unsettling charm, Hutcherson's portrayal of the desperate robber is as nuanced as it gets, offering a canvas where vulnerability and aggression coexist. Harry Shum Jr. and Shiloh Fernandez add depth with supporting roles that enhance the intimate cinema exploration of the human psyche in a lockdown scenario.
Directorial Vision and Cinematic Stylings
Director Mike Gan, also the film's writer, weaves a tapestry that feels both raw and picturesque. Cinematographer Jon Keng effectively captures the stark, neon-drenched beauty of the gas station setting, giving the film a visual style that mirrors the jittery unease of its characters. There's a stark beauty in the way Gan unravels the story, a slow drip of suspense juxtaposed with the dry humor that makes Burn comparable to a Coen Brothers' film on a night where they've decided to play truth or dare.
Burn's Place in the Genre Pantheon
This is a film that sidesteps standard genre conventions, evoking a narrative akin to a crime and thriller cocktail with a splash of a comedic garnish. If we squint just right, Burn might sidle up next to offbeat treasures like Edgar Wright's Hot Fuzz or the sharp-edged humor of Fargo. Yet, it stands apart as a unique specimen due to its quiet sense of unease, amplified by a soundtrack that seems to waltz between scenes.
A Surprising Fun Fact to Light Up Your Viewing
And if a budding thriller alone doesn't light your match, here's a fun nugget to keep the flames burning—did you know the gas station used for filming had actually been closed for five years before production began? Talk about giving an abandoned place a starring role!
Final Thoughts: To Watch or Not to Watch?
If you're in the mood for something outside the usual film critique checklist—films that play it safe like a rom-com with a predictable kiss in the rain—then Burn might just pique your interest. It's a movie that toys with our expectations in the most unexpected of settings, making it a worthwhile addition to any seasoned film buff's collection of must-watch films. Go on, ignite your curiosity and give Burn (2019) a shot!