🎬 Movie Overview

Title: Burn
Release Date: August 23, 2019 (Limited theatrical release) 
Genre: Mystery, Crime Thriller with elements of dark comedy 
Director: Mike Gan 
Cast: Tilda Cobham‑Hervey (Melinda), Josh Hutcherson (Billy), Suki Waterhouse (Sheila), Harry Shum Jr. (Officer Liu)
Where to Watch: Available for rent or purchase on Fandango at Home, Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, and similar streaming platforms

1. Plot Summary

Melinda, a lonely and emotionally unstable gas station attendant, works the graveyard shift alongside her confident coworker, Sheila. One night, the station is held up by Billy, a desperate man trying to settle a debt. Intrigued by him—and desperate to break free from her mundane life—Melinda makes impulsive choices that escalate the situation. Set entirely within the confines of the isolated gas station, the story explores how loneliness can foster dangerous desires.

2. Notable Elements

• Single‑location tension: The film’s claustrophobic setting amplifies psychological pressure—remarkably handled by director Mike Gan, who lays out space and emotions effectively without flashy camerawork.

• Standout performance: Tilda Cobham‑Hervey embodies Melinda’s instability with nuance—her touch of fly-in-coffee is uncomfortable yet compelling.

• Casting friction: Josh Hutcherson as Billy is often criticized as miscast; many reviewers felt he lacked the dark edge the role required.

• Tonality: Marketed as a black comedy-thriller, Burn blends awkward dark humor with suspense—but according to several critics, the tone doesn’t fully succeed, creating uneven pacing.

3. Themes & Messages

• Loneliness and identity: Melinda’s yearning for connection drives her to risky behavior—a commentary on how isolation distorts judgment.

• Perception vs reality: The film constantly probes whether characters’ actions are psychologically driven or truly criminal.

• Power dynamics:

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  Small town life, class inversion and power shifts play out in the tension between attendant and robber.
  Although not tied to holiday themes, Burn subverts the familiar trope of “a quiet night shift” and explores disillusionment rather than festive sentiment.

4. Personal Impressions

• Strengths:

  • The tight runtime (88 minutes) keeps it lean. Melinda’s character is compelling and unpredictable.

  • The minimalist, single‑set design highlights character and conversation over spectacle.

• Weaknesses:

  • The script stretches a simple premise too long—some critics feel it would have worked better as a short film.

  • Melinda’s behavior escalates unrealistically, leading to disbelief in character motivations. Hutcherson’s Billy sometimes lacks menace.

5. Audience Recommendations

• Who will enjoy it:

  • Fans of minimalist thrillers and single‑location dramas.

  • Viewers who appreciate character studies over action, and ambivalent endings.

• Who should skip it:

  • Audiences expecting traditional horror or clear moral arcs.

  • Those looking for strong dramatic pacing or polished ensemble casts.

6. Conclusion & Rating

Burn is an intriguing low‑budget thriller that offers psychological depth and raw character portrayal. While flawed and uneven, it showcases a director and lead actress worth watching in future work. Its strengths lie in tension and atmosphere; its weaknesses in pacing and screenplay structure.

Final Recommendation: Worth watching if you enjoy eccentric, character‑driven stories. Approach with an open mind for its odd tone and abrupt story beats.
⭐️ Rating: 3/5