last shift movie review 2016

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Last Shift Reviews

A great disturbing film that builds tension and rewards you with some solid jump scares and haunting imagery. This film isn’t perfect and leaves some unanswered questions, but that doesn’t prevent it from having an effect.

Full Review | Feb 22, 2023

A great, intense, twisted storyline... It has a little bit of everything.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Jun 1, 2021

The film builds up a suspense that turns into fear and uses practical and visual effects to great results.

Full Review | Original Score: 4.5/5 | Apr 14, 2020

Last Shift is profoundly, intensely, nightmare-inducingly creepy.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Oct 3, 2019

A solid horror film with savagely effective makeup effects, atmospheric mood, and disturbing psychological thrills set inside a claustrophobic location.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | May 7, 2019

The film is a slow burn, DiBlasi takes his time to build of the horror sequences and it pays off. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Jul 11, 2016

One actress for most of the time, great camerawork, splendid sound design and a story that might not be all that new but it's perfectly executed. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Jul 4, 2016

Even if it's full of cliches and commonplaces for the genre, the film actually manages to surprise you and be above the average horror film. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Jun 30, 2016

[it] is pure genre, but that is not to say that its genre is pure, given how deftly it ambiguates itself between being a story of ghostly vengeance and a tale of psychological breakdown, while leaving the disoriented viewer to call the difference.

Full Review | Jan 20, 2016

This Psychological Horror Movie Spends Its Entire Runtime Messing With You

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The Big Picture

Last Shift expertly puts viewers in the same terrifying shoes as its main character, creating a haunting experience.
The film's scare tactics mess with the audience as much as the protagonist, blurring the lines of reality.
Jessica's descent into madness grips viewers, making them question the reality of the supernatural entities haunting her.

The best horror movies are the ones that make their watchers look over their shoulders. The ones whose scares echo through the TV, bringing viewers into the minds of those fighting for their lives onscreen. It takes a truly exceptional film to get its viewers to resonate with the terrifying plight of its main characters — something that Last Shift does perfectly. Directed by Anthony DiBlasi and streaming on Tubi , the film focuses on a rookie cop stuck as the lone patrol in a decrepit police station whose insidious past terrorizes our protagonist during her first assignment. Supernatural menaces in strange locations aren't abnormal in horror, but it's how the film messes with not only the main character but the audience themselves that makes it a genuinely haunting experience.

Last Shift grants viewers the same amount of information as it does the protagonist, putting them through the same scarily confusing moments as her and expertly grounding them within the mind-bending trauma that plays out over the film's runtime . With the movie's narrator being as unnerved as those watching, there's no reprieve to this onslaught of baffling terrors, and by the end of the film, it's clear: the malicious entities plaguing this building (and the rookie's mind) enjoy terrorizing the audience as much as they enjoy terrorizing her.

In Last Shift, rookie police officer Jessica Loren is assigned to the last shift at a decommissioned police station. As the night progresses, she encounters terrifying supernatural occurrences linked to the station's dark past. Trapped and isolated, Jessica must confront her deepest fears to survive the night.

'Last Shift's' Demons Make a Police Station Their Home

Before demonic entities appear, Last Shift uses the terrifying experience of human anxiety to disturb its audience. The film focuses on Jessica Loren ( Juliana Harkavy ), a newbie police officer whose cop father died the year before trying to save young girls from a homicidal cult's compound. She took up the job in order to honor him, and despite her clear confidence and passion, the audience soon sees how the commitment to following her father's dream hurts Jessica. They watch as resident Sergeant Cohen ( Hank Stone ) rudely bosses her around, the woman obeying every crass word as he explains that the entire department is moving to another building down the street but that she has to stay for the night and wait for a biohazard team to cart away remaining evidence. It's her first shift and the shadows of her father make Jessica desperate to please, hoping that somehow her success at this job will connect her more to the man she misses so much. This is why she doesn't immediately leave as the station's historic horrors start making themselves known.

The fear starts out subtly; Jessica has to deal with a disgusting chunk of hair in her sandwich and an erratic homeless man who somehow snuck into the building; rather benign (if not slightly disturbing) annoyances, but then she receives a call. From a young woman, desperate and scared, saying she's been abducted by the very same cult that murdered Jessica's father, begging the cop to save her. This spirals into Jessica learning more about said cult, with each new bit of information leading to encounters with ghastly figures whose shredded faces jump out at viewers.

Out of All the Imaginary Friends in Horror, This Shudder Original Has the Scariest One

You'll never look at imaginary friends the same way again.

Jess then finds videos of the cult members her father helped arrest , the now-dead murderers joyous over their kills and mocking those they tortured. Their glee over terrorizing young woman is horrifying in itself, but it becomes much worse for Jessica — and everyone watching — when she learns that their hunger for carnage has soaked into the very building she's forced to keep watch over. From seeing the homeless man mutate into a pale-faced demon whose head is screwed on wrong to a mutilated girl stalking her across the building, the constant scares of Last Shift are not only petrifying but lead the audience to one question: How much of this is actually happening?

'Last Shift' Is a Terrifying Experience

The horrors of Last Shift are ominous already, but the real terror comes in seeing Jessica's sanity steadily diminish over the course of the film. With every strange sight, every horrific phone call, and every reference to the monstrous group who killed her father, audiences see this determined character be reduced to frantically trying to discern if the supernatural threats she keeps encountering are actually real. The movie excels in making viewers understand Jessica's stress and grounding them within it, her mounting fear resonating through the screen and creating a scarily uncomfortable experience for all watching. Her isolation only furthers the movie's terrifying confusion ; by focusing solely on her, audiences aren't granted the relief of another person not only taking away from the fear but helping them understand what is actually happening.

Halfway through the movie, another character is introduced: Officer Price ( Matt Doman ), a sweet man who reveals that he was with her dad when he heroically died trying to stop the cult. He provides comfort to not only Jessica but the audience, his presence granting a much-craved moment of concrete reality viewers can latch onto — until he turns around and reveals his brains have been leaking out for that entire conversation. Every positive thing that Jessica (and the audience) can cling to during this horrific night is ripped away with the realization that each one is secretly ominous. She receives no comfort, the constant gaslighting of her fellow police officers and a belief that leaving would dishonor her dad's memory pushing her deeper under the terrifying cult's influence — whether the members are actually tormenting her or not.

There's a moment when Jessica herself questions if anything she's seen is real, voicing the concerns of many viewers as she second guesses if the fears and figures that have filled her night have just been something her grief-ridden mind has made up. But as the film reaches its jaw-dropping climax, one that sees the gory hauntings ramp up and ends with something unspeakable , the film clarifies to its audience that it doesn't really matter if any of this is happening. Whether there actually is a demonic haunting going on or Jessica was just imagining everything, the events of the night have been traumatizing moments of deranged killers pushing Jessica and everyone watching to their mental limit . It doesn't matter if this is all real or not because, to the joy of the insidious cult members' legacy, both Jessica and her audience are terrified no matter what.

'Last Shift' Will Mess With Your Mind

It's not uncommon for a horror movie to feature an unreliable narrator, with many features like Last Shift thrilling in providing audiences with protagonists that they can't fully trust. Yet often these films grant their watchers some sense of peace, some external event or character that can assure them that some parts of what they see onscreen are actually happening. Last Shift seems to be doing that in certain moments, with other characters and small apparitions happening just out of Jessica's sight potentially providing some evidence that this is definitely a haunting...until Jessica reacts to those occurrences in some way, making it clear that she has some sense of connection to them. Authentically horrifying movies are the ones that make their audiences feel the same fear as their protagonists, throwing these viewers into the terrified mental state of the character fighting for their life . Last Shift, by making the active, malicious choice to mess with both its main character and its audience, does just that, keeping people guessing at every point and only providing one concrete answer: whatever is happening, you should be very, very afraid.

Last Shift is Available to Stream on Tubi in the U.S.

WATCH ON TUBI

Movie Features

LAST SHIFT: Film Review

Synopsis: A rookie cop’s 1st shift in the last night of a closing police station alone turns into a living nightmare. The plot echoes John Carpenter’s ‘Assault on Precinct 13’ but with a supernatural twist.

Jessica Loren (Juliana Harkavy) is a brand spanking new police officer who is starting her first shift at a police station that is closing down. Following in the footsteps of her late father, she is determined to be an honourable officer and a credit to the force. However, in true disturbing horror fashion, her limits are pushed to the brink when supernatural shenanigans cause havoc on her mental state. The dark presence of the deceased Paymon Family smothers the station with the head of family John Michael (Joshua Mikel) personifying evil.

Writers Anthony DiBlasi and Scott Poili did not let me down as the Last Shift has just the right amount of crazy psychological mind games that I love to watch in horror films. Not content in playing out predictable, Last Shift provides jump scares, which will literally make you jump scared. I would never say that the pace was set to a slow burn as from the moment she walks into the station, there is an immediate underlying invisible threat. A sort of white noise silently rumbling away in the background provides a feeling of impending doom.

As the story unfolds we are given clues and then answers to those much needed questions. It is not laid out on a plate for us, which is good because we are kept guessing and even until the very end there are still moments that are unexpected.

DiBlasi directed this little gem of a horror film and in my opinion it is far greater than his most recent Most Likely to Die, which starred the infamous Perez Hilton. Although Most Likely to Die was fun and had a tremendous amount of entertaining death scenes, Last Shift is a lot darker and so much more sinister.

As a viewer you get drawn into the hopelessness and desperation that Officer Loren is feeling when everything around her is not making sense, the pressure of living up to her fathers reputation and no one is on hand to help her.

I’m uncertain if DiBlasi will be making anything soon but I think his fingers should keep on typing as he is a talented writer and director.

Words by Amanda Hunt @man_ders11

Last Shift Movie Review

Written by Joel Harley

Released by Matchbox Films

Directed by Anthony DiBlasi Written by Anthony DiBlasi and Scott Poiley 2014, 90 minutes, Rated 15 (UK) DVD released on 18th January 2015

Starring: Juliana Harkavy as Jessica Loren Joshua Mikel as John Michael Paymon J. LaRose as Panty Belt Patrick Black Natalie Victoria as Marigold Sarah Sculco as Kitty Paymon

A rookie cop, trapped alone in a soon-to-be shut down police station, under attack from antagonistic third-party forces. Sound familiar? The Assault on Precinct 13 vibes are strong with this one, to be sure, but there’s more at play in Last Shift than simply riffing on John Carpenter’s playbook from start to finish.

Rookie Officer Jessica Loren is working her first shift as a uniform cop, babysitting a redundant, soon-to-be-closed police station during its final hours (the last shift in question) – plus radioactive materials that aren’t nearly as cool as they should be. Unfortunate Officer Loren is under attack from something a little more supernatural than mere gangsters or '70s punks though (depending on which version of Assault on Precinct 13 you watch) – ghosts, nightmarish visions and prank phone calls from murder victims are the name of the game here, ring-led by dead cult leader John Michael Paymon. It’s less Brooklyn 99 , more Brooklyn 666 (I have no idea whether the film is set in Brooklyn or not – it almost certainly isn’t).

There’s no denying the John Carpenter influence, but Last Shift is playing more to the Sam Raimi and Clive Barker crowd as it puts its nervy heroine through the ringer, flinging all manner of threats at her, physical and otherwise. Indeed director and (co) writer Anthony DiBlasi is the man responsible for the creepy Barker adaptation Dread , so such inspiration can’t have been far from his mind throughout. Leading what is essentially a one-woman show as Officer Loren, Juliana Harkavay does a tremendous job – all at once vulnerable and strong, terrified yet competent. The deserted police station makes a fine setting, being nicely isolated and claustrophobic without ever feeling stale or played out. The sense of dread, as it were, is palpable.

As Loren tentatively tip-toes through the corridors of this haunted cophouse, there’s a sustained sense of atmosphere and jump scares that accentuate the story rather than distract from it (looking at you, Blumhouse).Villain John Michael Paymon looms large over all of this, although, ultimately, he never seems to make the impact he should. The so-called King of Hell cuts a creepy figure, but is rarely ever more than that, and not the nemesis Officer Loren needs. Still, with handfuls of masked apparitions, streetwise hookers and a weird barefoot hobo, Loren is never short of company – or scares.

Last Shift is moody, chilling and scaring in all the right places. There’s a sense that it never goes so far as to achieve all it could, but it makes for arresting entertainment, all the same.

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The Spine-chilling Labyrinth of Horror: An In-depth Look at the “Last Shift”

The horror genre has always been a film industry staple, making hearts race and palms sweat since its inception. One film, in particular, that has successfully managed to send a chill down our spines is “ Last Shift .” This movie, excellently crafted by Anthony DiBlasi , blends horror and mystery that you cannot afford to miss. One suggestion for those not opposed to a good scare would be to get some popcorn ready, dim the lights, and watch “Last Shift.”

A Riveting Plot Filled with Mystery

“Last Shift” is not just a typical horror film. While it does contain the element of supernatural horror, the storyline keeps you riveted to your seat. The protagonist is rookie police officer Jessica Loren , whose daunting task is to oversee the last shift at a shutting-down police station. Here, she encounters a series of chilling events and horrifying illusions that challenge her sanity throughout the night. These occurrences are connected to a sadistic cult, the followers of whom committed mass suicide in the station a year earlier.

The Intricate Characters

The film’s real horror does not just come from gory images or sudden jump scares but from its carefully developed characters. Officer Loren, played by Juliana Harkavy , is a complex character with a history that enhances the mystery, making you question her mental stability. Harkavy delivers a power-packed performance, exhibiting a credible arc of fear, disbelief, determination, and near madness. The Payne cult, too, is intriguing and adds a sense of eerie dread to the movie. They contribute significantly to the fear elements of the story and keep viewers on the edge.

Suspense and Thrill

Arguably, one of the most notable features of “Last Shift” is its knack for suspense. The film keeps you guessing what’s real or an illusion, tapping into our inherent fear of the unknown. With numerous twists and turns, the film maintains a constant sense of foreboding and tension throughout its runtime. The constant threats and perturbing visuals create an intense atmosphere that’s increasingly unsettling.

Imagery and Aesthetic

The setting, imagery, and overall aesthetic of “Last Shift” are worth noting. The atmospheric elements, such as dim light, ghostly figures, and well-timed sound effects, intensify the feeling of fear. Moreover, the deserted police station’s claustrophobic environment is a perfect backdrop for this supernatural horror, enhancing the gripping and eerie ambiance of the narrative.

The Amplification of Fear

While many horror films rely heavily on stereotypical creatures and predictable scares, “Last Shift” takes a divergent path. Its use of psychological horror preys on the viewer’s mind, subtly manipulating one’s cognition and grounding the fear in stark reality.

A major contributing factor to the movie’s chilling impact is its illusory concept. Throughout “Last Shift,” Officer Loren is tormented by surreal visitations and phantom phone calls, creating an ever-present, fluid fear. Is what she’s seeing there? Or are these the manifestations of her mental state, conditioned by the tragic past? This clever play on perception sets “Last Shift” apart from many horror films.

Deft Direction and Stellar Performances

Anthony DiBlasi’s deft direction enhances the impact of “Last Shift.” The brilliant use of tight shots explores the claustrophobic ambiance of the deserted police station, and the skillful portrayal of paranoia and fear strikes a chord with the viewer. The dynamic camera angles and well-timed revelations heighten the suspense and contribute to the overall eeriness of the film.

The portrayals in the movie amplify its unsettling nature. Juliana Harkavy’s terrific performance as Officer Loren and the chilling depiction of the Payne cult, played majorly by Joshua Mikel , J. LaRose , and Natalie Victoria , add layers of terror to the storyline. The sincere performances and unnerving visual effects make “Last Shift” a deeply immersive experience.

The Stellar Cast Behind the Horror

Its actors bring Any horror movie to life, or rather to chills. “Last Shift” is no different. With a cast that delivers outstanding performances, it truly is a film that stands out in the genre.

Juliana Harkavy leads the pack who plays the young rookie cop, Officer Jessica Loren. Harkavy, known for her roles in “ The Walking Dead ” and “Arrow,” delivers a gut-wrenching performance that makes Officer Loren’s alone night in the reportedly haunted police station horrifying. Her performance gives the film its heartbeat and successfully creates a character that viewers connect with, intensifying its scare factor.

Supporting Harkavy, the scary visage of the Payne cult members is brought to life by Joshua Mikel, J. LaRose, and Natalie Victoria. Joshua Mikel, known for his roles in various popular TV series like “The Walking Dead,” does an exceptional job as John Michael Paymon , the cult leader. On the other hand, J. LaRose, who has appeared in several of the “Saw” franchise films, uses his experience with horror to add an unnerving depth to his character. Natalie Victoria, not unfamiliar with the horror genre herself, puts forth a disturbing performance that amps up the eeriness of the story.

Breathtaking Performances and Last Shift

Each cast member delivers a believable and moving performance that adds to the horror and suspense elements of “Last Shift.” They successfully portray their respective characters’ transformations, embodying fear and alarming the audience. Be it the unnerving cult members or the lone officer trying to survive her first night at an eerily quiet police station, the characters crafted are compellingly terrifying.

Part Eleven: A Glimpse into the Hair-raising World – “Last Shift” Trailer

Last Shift – An Emotionally Engaging Mystery

Besides being a horror film, “Last Shift” is an emotionally intriguing mystery. Officer Loren’s character is battling phantoms and cultists and the haunting memories of her father’s demise, who was part of the team that organically dealt with the Payne cult. The film explores the tumultuous relationship between past traumas and present fears, adding depth to Officer Loren’s experiences. This adds a unique psychological aspect to the otherwise occult-driven narrative.

To sum up, “Last Shift” is a harrowing exploration of fear, incorporating suspense, psychological horror, and tragic mystery elements to create a truly unforgettable experience. As you unveil the deeper layers of this movie, Last Shift becomes more than just chilling imagery; it evolves into an echoing narrative of terror and reality.

Conclusion: Have You Survived the “Last Shift”?

“ Last Shift ” is undoubtedly an underappreciated gem in the horror genre. It amalgamates the elements of suspense, character depth, and an eerie setting beautifully into a thrilling and unsettling narrative that will leave you haunted for days. Every moment, every scene contributes to the escalating tension that culminates in a spine-tingling climax. For anybody who loves a good scare and mystery, “Last Shift” is a must-watch.

The true power of horror and mystery lies in leaving an indelible impression on the viewer. With its mesmeric storytelling, well-placed scares, and robust character growth, “Last Shift” does precisely that. If you’re up for a visceral experience that challenges your nerves and leaves you questioning reality, the suggestion would be to delve into the uncanny world of this horror masterpiece and watch “Last Shift.” It guarantees chills and offers a gripping and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Anthony DiBlasi Horror film review Juliana Harkavy Last Shift movie review Movie Review Mystery Psychological Horror Psychological Thriller Supernatural suspense