12 Hour Shift
Movie Trailer
Release Date
October 2, 2020
Genre
Black Comedy, Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Angela Bettis as Mandy
- Chloe Farnworth as Regina
- David Arquette as Jefferson
- Mick Foley as Nicholas
- Kit Williamson as Officer Myers
- Nikea Gamby-Turner as Karen
Director
Brea Grant
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Best Friends Forever (2013)
- Tattered Hearts (2022)
Producer
David Arquette, Jordan Wayne Long, Matt Glass, Tara Perry
Writer
Brea Grant
Budget
$1.5 million (estimated)
Production Company
HCT Media, Magnolia Pictures
Running Time
86 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong violence
- Blood and gore
- Drug use
- Language
Movie Story
“12 Hour Shift” is a darkly comedic thriller set in 1999 that follows Mandy (Angela Bettis), a weary, drug-addicted nurse working a long night shift at an Arkansas hospital. To make ends meet and support her habit, Mandy is involved in an illegal organ trafficking operation, where she harvests organs from unsuspecting patients to sell on the black market. Her life, however, takes a chaotic turn when her bumbling, dim-witted cousin Regina (Chloe Farnworth) loses a kidney meant for the operation, setting off a series of increasingly dire and absurd events.
The film unfolds over the course of one tumultuous 12-hour shift, as Mandy tries to keep the organ trafficking scheme from unraveling while dealing with the usual stresses of her job—managing difficult patients, navigating hospital politics, and dodging suspicious co-workers. The situation escalates when Regina’s incompetence leads to more missing organs, a dead body, and the involvement of dangerous criminals who are not pleased with the mishap.
Mandy, already on edge, must now find a way to cover up the mess and survive the night without getting caught by the hospital staff or the authorities. Her resourcefulness and grit are put to the test as she deals with escalating threats, including a persistent police officer, a fellow nurse with questionable intentions, and the ever-present danger of her criminal activities being exposed.
“12 Hour Shift” combines elements of black comedy and thriller, creating a tense yet humorous atmosphere that explores themes of desperation, morality, and survival. Angela Bettis delivers a standout performance as Mandy, portraying her as a complex character who is both morally compromised and deeply sympathetic. The film is punctuated by moments of dark humor and absurdity, with a plot that keeps the audience on edge as it careens from one chaotic event to the next.
Special Effects
The special effects in “12 Hour Shift” are mostly practical, with a focus on creating realistic and often gruesome scenes of violence and organ harvesting. The film’s dark tone is enhanced by its gritty, low-budget aesthetic, which adds to the overall sense of unease. The effects are effective in conveying the brutality of the characters’ actions without overshadowing the story’s humor and character-driven drama.
Box Office Performance
“12 Hour Shift” had a limited theatrical release and gained attention through digital and on-demand platforms, where it became a hit among fans of indie horror and dark comedy. Its unique premise, combined with strong performances and a tight, well-paced script, helped it stand out in the crowded genre landscape. The film received positive reviews from critics for its blend of humor and horror, as well as its fresh take on the thriller genre.
Filming Locations
- Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
Notable Quotes
- “You do what you have to do to survive, even if it’s not pretty.” – Mandy
- “I lost the kidney, but I’m pretty sure I can find another one!” – Regina
Behind-the-Scenes
- “12 Hour Shift” was written and directed by Brea Grant, who wanted to create a film that combined elements of horror, thriller, and dark comedy while exploring the moral complexities of its characters.
- The film was shot on a tight schedule and budget, with much of the action taking place within the confines of a real, working hospital, which added to the film’s authenticity and atmosphere.
Awards
- Best Feature at the Chattanooga Film Festival (2020)
- Audience Award at the Fantasia Film Festival (2020)
Final Verdict
“12 Hour Shift” is a darkly entertaining thriller that offers a unique blend of black comedy and suspense. Its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and sharp dialogue make it a standout in the indie film scene. Angela Bettis shines in the lead role, and the film’s tight pacing and clever twists keep the audience hooked from start to finish. It’s a must-watch for fans of dark humor and offbeat thrillers.
IMDb Rating
5.4/10