The Desperate Hour

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 12, 2021 (Toronto International Film Festival)
February 25, 2022 (United States)

Genre
Thriller, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Naomi Watts as Amy Carr
• Colton Gobbo as Noah Carr
• Sierra Maltby as Emily Carr
• Jason Clarke as Deputy Paul Morrow (voice)

Director
Phillip Noyce

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Salt (2010)
• The Bone Collector (1999)
• Patriot Games (1992)

Producer

• Zachary Laoutides
• Naomi Watts
• Andrew Corkin
• Chris Sparling
• Alex Lalonde

Writer

• Chris Sparling

Budget
Estimated $5 million

Production Company

• Limelight
• Boies/Schiller Film Group
• Untapped

Running Time
84 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Intense situations
• Emotional distress
• Themes of danger and crisis

Movie Story
“The Desperate Hour” is a tense thriller that revolves around Amy Carr (Naomi Watts), a recently widowed mother trying to rebuild her life while raising her two children, Noah (Colton Gobbo) and Emily (Sierra Maltby). The film is set in real-time as Amy embarks on a routine morning run in the woods near her home. However, her peaceful run quickly turns into a desperate race against time when she learns that a shooting has occurred at her son’s high school.

Amy, isolated in the forest with limited cell reception, must navigate the treacherous terrain while trying to get information about her son’s whereabouts and safety. As she struggles to reach him, she is forced to rely on her wits, endurance, and the sporadic communication she can manage with authorities and her son’s friends.

The film explores the harrowing experience of a parent in crisis, capturing Amy’s emotional turmoil as she grapples with fear, uncertainty, and the overwhelming need to protect her child. Naomi Watts delivers a powerful performance, portraying a mother’s determination to do whatever it takes to ensure her son’s safety, even when the odds are stacked against her.

“The Desperate Hour” is a minimalist thriller, relying on a single character in a solitary setting to build tension and drive the narrative. The film’s real-time format heightens the suspense, making the audience feel as though they are experiencing the unfolding crisis alongside Amy.

Special Effects
Given its minimalist approach, “The Desperate Hour” does not rely heavily on special effects. The film’s tension and suspense are built through the real-time narrative, the use of natural surroundings, and Naomi Watts’s intense, emotive performance. The sound design and cinematography play crucial roles in maintaining the film’s atmosphere, using ambient noises and strategic camera work to amplify the sense of urgency and isolation.

Box Office Performance
“The Desperate Hour” had a limited release and was primarily distributed through video-on-demand platforms. The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising Naomi Watts’s performance but noting that the film’s premise, while intense, may feel thin or stretched due to its singular focus on a lone character in a contained environment.

Filming Locations

• Northern Ontario, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “You have to help me find my son.” – Amy Carr
• “I’ll do whatever it takes to protect him.” – Amy Carr
• “This is every parent’s worst nightmare.” – Amy Carr

Behind-the-Scenes
“The Desperate Hour” was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which influenced the decision to focus on a single character in a remote setting. The film’s production took place in Northern Ontario, utilizing the natural landscape to create a sense of isolation and tension. Naomi Watts’s portrayal of Amy Carr is central to the film, with her performance carrying the weight of the narrative as she navigates the emotional and physical challenges of the situation.

Awards
The film did not receive major awards but was noted for Naomi Watts’s performance, which was recognized as one of the highlights of the thriller.

Final Verdict
“The Desperate Hour” is a gripping, real-time thriller that offers a showcase for Naomi Watts’s talent as she delivers a raw, emotionally charged performance. While the film’s minimalist approach may not appeal to everyone, its focus on a single character in a high-stakes situation creates a tense and compelling narrative. For those who appreciate suspenseful dramas centered on intense personal crises, “The Desperate Hour” is a worthwhile watch.

IMDb Rating
4.8/10