There’s a sinking feeling watching the opening scenes in “Final Straw.”
The indie thriller contains a corrosive Last Lady working via a maze of woke bromides.
Have endurance.
The movie is each bracing and unique regardless of the feminist trappings. You may even glimpse a pro-life nod when all is claimed and executed.
Younger, embittered Nancy (Jessica Belkin) has had higher days. She simply discovered she’s pregnant and hasn’t a clue who the daddy is likely to be. Her shrug on the potentialities is a tad gross.
She’s pressured to work the late shift at her father’s diner. And, at 20, she suffers from standard-issue Gen Z malaise. Oh, and he or she has a brief mood and an odd sense of entitlement.
Are we purported to root for or towards our predominant character?
Mentioned day will get worse when a coworker (Taylor Kowalski, stable) rebels towards her authority. Subsequent, hoodlums enter the diner and check her each final nerve.
This terrible day has solely begun.
We’ll pump the braves to forestall spoilers, however know “Final Straw” has some main methods up its narrative sleeve. First-time director Alan Scott Neal arranges the twists with confidence and readability. He’s simply pretty much as good with the younger solid, who might have sunk to the style’s low expectations however by no means does.
Belkin is tasked with some unlucky tics. Her character is whiny, disagreeable, entitled and crude… a last woman with a chip on her shoulder. The actress lets Nancy develop over the course of the movie in assured methods.
Many of the movie takes place in a single setting – a Heartland diner that feels heat and acquainted. But “Final Straw” doesn’t really feel cramped in any significant manner. Attempt lived in and relatable.
One of many greater twists strains credulity. Later, our heroine pulls off two resourceful strikes within the third act. One will depart you scratching your head whereas the opposite is a marvel of simplicity.
Jeremy Sisto doesn’t get a lot display time, however the style veteran delivers as Nancy’s father. He’s each paternal and impatient, however his presence issues. Nancy has some metal in her backbone, and he partially explains why.
“Final Straw” doesn’t flood the display with violence however there’s nary a boring second. And, at just below 90 minutes, the working time is blissfully good.
Some viewers, ought to they catch “Final Straw” on a streaming platform, could not get to the “great things.” The screenplay overdoes Nancy’s plight in decidedly woke vogue. Nobody takes her severely! The native sheriff, who rushes to the diner when she locations a 911 name, is caught observing Nancy’s butt.
Cue the attention rolling.
Take into account it progressive throat clearing. As soon as executed, settle in for a wise, provocative thriller that upends your expectations in refreshing methods.
HiT or Miss: “Final Straw” bullies previous feminist speaking factors for a wise, unique experience round style limitations.