Night Drive

Night Drive is a tense and gripping thriller that takes place over the course of an eventful night in Texas. Written and directed by Megan Griffiths, the film stars AJ Bowen as a rideshare driver named Russell, who is hired by a young woman named Charlotte (played by Sophie Dalah) to drive her to several appointments over the course of the evening.

At first, Russell is friendly and professional, sharing small talk with Charlotte as he navigates the busy streets of their city. However, as the night wears on, the two begin to encounter a series of unexpected obstacles, from a sudden rainstorm that makes the roads treacherous to a mysterious stranger who seems to be following them.

Despite these challenges, Russell and Charlotte continue on their journey, with Russell increasingly becoming drawn into Charlotte's life and the secrets she's keeping from him. As the night progresses, the two find themselves in increasingly perilous situations, with each one revealing more about themselves and their motivations.

Throughout the film, Night Drive explores themes of connection, vulnerability, and trust, all against the backdrop of a tense and unpredictable environment. The performances by Bowen and Dalah are particularly strong, with both actors bringing depth and nuance to their characters despite the limited screen time and sparse dialogue.

In addition to the central duo, Night Drive features a strong supporting cast, including Scott Poythress as a menacing figure who poses a threat to Russell and Charlotte, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste as a no-nonsense police officer who becomes involved in their increasingly complicated situation.

The film also makes creative and effective use of its setting, with Griffiths showcasing the cityscape of Texas as both a beautiful and disorienting landscape that serves as the perfect backdrop for Russell and Charlotte's journey. The cinematography and editing by editor Erik Rommesmo are particularly well-done, with the film making the most of its limited budget to create a moody and atmospheric experience.

Overall, Night Drive is a thrilling and well-crafted thriller that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. With its strong performances, interesting characters, and inventive storytelling, it is a film that is well worth seeking out for fans of the genre.