Alan Scott Neal makes an impressive directorial debut with Last Straw, a taut and atmospheric addition to the home-invasion thriller genre. Set against the backdrop of a desolate roadside diner, the film follows Nancy Osborn, played by Jessica Belkin, a young waitress working the graveyard shift. Her routine shift turns into a fight for survival when she is targeted by a group of masked assailants. With no allies and nowhere to hide, Nancy must dig deep to outwit her attackers and endure the night.
Jessica Belkin (American Horror Story) delivers a gripping performance as Nancy, embodying the character’s transformation from vulnerability to resilience with raw intensity. Belkin’s portrayal elevates the role beyond the traditional final girl trope, earning praise for its complexity and depth. Supporting performances add further weight to the film’s emotional core, with Jeremy Sisto bringing gravitas as Edward Osborn and Glen Gould offering a grounded take on Sheriff Brooks. The masked tormentors, led by Taylor Kowalski and Joji Otani Hansen, strike a perfect balance between menace and unpredictability.
Neal’s direction is sharp and deliberate, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that heightens the tension. Drawing from his Southern roots, Neal infuses the story with an authentic exploration of cultural dualities—politeness masking brutality and fractured communities hiding beneath well-kept appearances. The diner becomes a microcosm of human nature at its most primal, a battleground where civility is stripped away in the face of desperation.
Taylor Sardoni’s screenplay provides more than just scares, offering layered perspectives on both victim and perpetrator. This duality is expertly executed, forcing the audience to question the motivations and fears that drive both sides. Neal’s commitment to these themes results in a psychological horror that lingers beyond its runtime, balancing visceral thrills with deeper social commentary.
The film’s brisk 81-minute runtime works in its favor, keeping the tension taut and the story focused. While Last Straw leans on some familiar genre tropes, it subverts expectations with well-placed twists and moments of genuine surprise. It’s no wonder the film has been a hit on the festival circuit, with selections at Sitges, the Paris Fantastic Fest, and FrightFest, and endorsements from horror authorities like Dread Central and Bloody Disgusting.
Last Straw is more than a survival tale; it’s a chilling examination of what happens when humanity’s masks come off. Alan Scott Neal’s vision is clear and compelling, marking him as a director to watch. With a standout performance from Jessica Belkin and a relentless pace, this film is a must-see for fans of psychological horror and tightly wound-thrillers.
A harrowing and thought-provoking debut, Last Straw is sure to leave audiences on the edge of their seats—and pondering the darkness that lies just beneath the surface.
Film Review: Last Straw
Director: Alan Scott Neal
Writer: Taylor Sardoni
Genre: Horror/Mystery Thriller
Runtime: 81 minutes
Cast: Jessica Belkin, Taylor Kowalski, Joji Otani Hansen, Chris Lopes, Jeremy Sisto, Glen Gould, Michael Giannone, Tara Raani
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