This is a character study of two different demographics, namely elderly white and youthful black. The acting is of such high caliber that I couldn't see this rather minor story having any impact whatsoever without them. Richard Jenkins is one of the most talented and versatile contemporary actors working today and that's not to diminish the rest of the cast. The actors are pros that have a rapport that translates well on screen. The problem with this film is that it seems to lose its identity at some point. It starts out rather darkly comedic based on the interplay of the two leads that are destined to be fast food workers and then takes an even darker dramatic turn that upsets the established premise rather than enhancing it. If the core of the screenplay is ultimately about race relations, then the arc of the story provides no relief or redemption in that regard, which is probably what the director intended. I feel as though I'm being taught a lesson that I'm not even very clear on, masked in an alleged entertainment venue. An ending that puts the viewer off balance can be powerful, however in this case, it's simply unsatisfying. The lure of this film is in the power of its actors.
Review of The Last Shift
