Exit 0

In the psychological thriller film Exit 0, we follow John (Gabe Fazio), a man in his mid-thirties who has just returned to his hometown of Staten Island, New York with his girlfriend, Viviana (Augie Duke), for a weekend getaway. They stay in a bed and breakfast run by an eccentric couple, Annabelle (Ashley C. Williams) and her husband, Joseph (Federico Castelluccio).

From the moment they arrive, John feels uneasy about the guesthouse, believing that there is something off about the couple who run it. As the weekend progresses, John and Viviana become more and more entwined in the bizarre, manipulative, and dangerous world of Annabelle and Joseph.

The film is expertly crafted, and the director, E.B. Hughes, keeps the audience guessing, building tension and suspense with each passing scene. The pacing is deliberately slow, creating an unsettling atmosphere that permeates every moment of the film. The eerie soundtrack by Greg Sykes adds to the sense of unease, heightening the tension and keeping the audience on edge.

One of the strengths of Exit 0 is its cast. Gabe Fazio is excellent in the lead role of John, conveying a sense of vulnerability and desperation that elicits empathy from the audience. Augie Duke is equally impressive as Viviana, expertly navigating the emotional twists and turns of her character's journey. Federico Castelluccio delivers a chilling performance as Joseph, imbuing his character with an underlying menace that is all the more terrifying because it's never fully revealed. Ashley C. Williams is also a standout as Annabelle, expertly balancing her character's charm and malevolence.

The cinematography by Yan Vizinberg is striking, with its use of natural light and shadow creating a haunting and atmospheric look. The film is shot entirely on location in Staten Island, and the beautiful settings, from the ferry ride over to the shots of the historic architecture, provide a stark contrast to the darkness that unfolds inside the guesthouse.

At its core, Exit 0 is a character-driven thriller that explores themes of trust, perception, and the unknown. The film's ending is particularly powerful, leaving the audience with more questions than answers and eliciting a range of emotions that will linger long after the credits roll.

Overall, Exit 0 is a finely crafted film that is sure to please fans of the psychological thriller genre. It is a haunting and atmospheric journey into the unknown, expertly crafted by director E.B. Hughes and his talented cast and crew.