The Last Shift

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 25, 2020

Genre
Comedy, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Richard Jenkins as Stanley
• Shane Paul McGhie as Jevon
• Ed O’Neill as Dale
• Da’Vine Joy Randolph as Shazz
• Birgundi Baker as Sydney
• Allison Tolman as Evelyn
• Alex Désert as Perry

Director
Andrew Cohn

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Night School (2016)
• Danny Brown: Live at the Majestic (2018)

Producer
Albert Berger
Ron Yerxa
Sam Bisbee

Writer
Andrew Cohn

Budget
N/A (Independent Film)

Production Company
Bona Fide Productions
Park Pictures

Running Time
90 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Language
• Mild violence
• Thematic elements

Movie Story
“The Last Shift” is a bittersweet comedy-drama that explores themes of race, class, and generational divides through the story of two men from different walks of life who form an unlikely bond. The film centers on Stanley (Richard Jenkins), an aging fast-food worker who has spent nearly four decades working the graveyard shift at a small-town chicken-and-biscuits joint. After years of repetitive routine, Stanley has finally decided to retire and move to Florida to care for his ailing mother.

As part of his retirement, Stanley is tasked with training his replacement, Jevon (Shane Paul McGhie), a young African American man recently released from prison. Jevon is a talented writer struggling to find his footing after his release, and he views the job as a temporary stop on his way to something better. The two men couldn’t be more different—Stanley is set in his ways, content with the life he’s led, while Jevon is disillusioned with the system and hungry for change.

Over the course of Stanley’s last shift, the two men engage in a series of candid conversations that reveal their vastly different perspectives on life, work, and the American Dream. As the night wears on, Stanley and Jevon slowly begin to understand each other, with Stanley gaining insight into the struggles faced by younger generations, and Jevon learning to appreciate Stanley’s loyalty and work ethic.

“The Last Shift” is a quiet, character-driven film that blends humor with poignant moments of reflection. Richard Jenkins delivers a heartfelt performance as Stanley, capturing the loneliness and resignation of a man who has dedicated his life to a job that offers little in return. Shane Paul McGhie provides a compelling counterpoint as Jevon, whose youthful idealism and frustration add depth to the narrative.

The film touches on issues of race and class without being heavy-handed, instead allowing the characters’ interactions to naturally explore these themes. The result is a thoughtful and humanistic film that encourages viewers to consider the complexities of life in modern America.

Special Effects
“The Last Shift” relies on its strong performances and naturalistic setting rather than special effects. The film’s cinematography captures the quiet, often mundane atmosphere of small-town life, with the fast-food restaurant serving as a microcosm of the broader societal issues the characters grapple with.

Box Office Performance
“The Last Shift” had a limited release, primarily reaching audiences through independent theaters and digital platforms. It received positive reviews for its performances, particularly Richard Jenkins’s portrayal of Stanley, though some critics noted that the film’s pacing and narrative could have been more dynamic.

Filming Locations

• Chicago, Illinois, USA

Notable Quotes

• “I’ve been doing this job for 38 years. It’s not much, but it’s mine.” – Stanley
• “The system isn’t built for people like me to win, Stanley. That’s why I write—to change things.” – Jevon
• “Sometimes, you find meaning in the smallest places.” – Stanley

Behind-the-Scenes

• Director Andrew Cohn drew inspiration from his documentary background to create a film that feels authentic and true to life, focusing on the details of everyday existence.
• Richard Jenkins, known for his roles in films like “The Shape of Water” and “The Visitor,” brings a quiet dignity to the role of Stanley, anchoring the film with his nuanced performance.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“The Last Shift” is a thoughtful and introspective film that offers a nuanced exploration of the human condition through the lens of two very different characters. While it may not be a fast-paced drama, the film’s strength lies in its honest portrayal of the challenges faced by ordinary people and the connections that can form in the most unexpected places. Richard Jenkins and Shane Paul McGhie’s performances elevate the film, making it a poignant and memorable watch.

IMDb Rating
5.6/10