Jurors Jeremy O. Harris, Eliza Hittman, and Marlee Matlin praised director Sing J. Lee for his striking vision, which combined the gritty intensity of a Western crime thriller with the poetic aesthetic of the Asian New Wave. This seamless hybrid approach delved into the complexities of living between cultures, evoking deep empathy for the protagonist and the true story behind it.
Angie Han from The Hollywood Reporter commented, “The film begins as a tense, suspenseful crime thriller, but unexpectedly shifts into a touching and emotional narrative. Lee’s confidence and sensitivity ensure that this transition from high-stakes tension to earnest emotion works flawlessly.”
Todd McCarthy of Deadline described the film as “a rare, refreshing discovery that offers an exciting experience for adventurous viewers searching for something new and different.”
Nick Allen from RogerEbert.com added, “A bold, elegant crime film, Lee’s confident direction brings moments of cinematic brilliance that elevate the genre.”
The film centers on Long (Hiệp Trần Nghĩa), a Vietnamese driver in Southern California who, despite being in his pajamas, agrees to take a late-night ride request. He picks up Tây (Dustin Nguyen) and his two companions, but things quickly spiral out of control when they reveal themselves to be recently escaped convicts from an Orange County jail, taking Long hostage at gunpoint and forcing him into their escape plan. When their getaway is interrupted, the group takes refuge in a motel, where the tension builds in a tense waiting game.
Directed by Sing J. Lee, the film features breathtaking visuals and a mood-driven aesthetic, crafting a tone of unnerving intensity punctuated by moments of humor and warmth. Based on the article by Paul Kix, the film tells a poignant, true story that goes beyond the crime genre, offering a moving portrait of Long’s quiet, lonely life and his complex relationship with Tây.
Cast: Hiệp Trần Nghĩa, Dustin Nguyen, Dali Benssalah, Phi Vũ, Gabrielle Chan
Screenwriters: Sing J. Lee, Christopher Chen
Producers: Kimberly Steward, Basil Iwanyk, Andy Sorgie, Brendon Boyea, Joseph Hiéu
Executive Producers: Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson, Jennifer J. Pritzker, Peter M. Carlino, Luisa Law, Scott Lastaiti, Josh Godfrey, Kenner Bolt, Kenneth Yu, Paul Kix
Co-Producer: Jes Vũ
Director of Photography: Michael Cambio Fernandez
Editor: Yang-Hua Hu
Composers: Julian Saporiti, Jon Ong
Countries: United States
Languages: English, Vietnamese
Runtime: 102 minutes