Twin brothers Benjamin and Paul China are making their debut as a writing and directing duo with a new feature film, Night Shift. This indie horror film follows a woman named Gwen as she arrives in a new town and is in need of money. Gwen finds a cash-paying job covering the night shift at a remote motel, but what seems like easy money quickly turns into a dangerous nightmare.

Seeming to take inspiration from films such as Psycho, Vacancy, Identity, The Strangers: Prey at Night, and even a dash of The Shining, Night Shift is a chilling single-location thrill ride. The China Brothers managed to make a small budget go a long way in this film. The setup is relatively simple with a woman seeming to be on the run from something, or someone, and finding herself at the motel to get some quick cash. From there, the China Brothers expertly plant the seeds for many potential horrors. Hints of something supernatural, or possibly a human monster, help to keep the audience at the edge of their seat until the exciting climax. To break up some of the suspense, there are moments of absurdity and dark humor that are sure to bring laughs, while also highlighting the strangeness of the events taking place. While the general premise of Night Shift might not be the most original idea, it’s still a tension-filled, entertaining watch.

As with most low-budget indie horror films, the actors carry much of Night Shift on their very capable shoulders. Phoebe Tonkin (Babylon, Bloom) stars as Gwen. From the moment the audience meets Gwen, it’s clear she is trying to run from her past. Tonkin plays this character with an earnestness that immediately endears the audience to Gwen. Yet, as the layers are peeled back, Tonkin really has the chance to shine, especially in the final act. Lamorne Morris (New Girl, Fargo) plays the motel owner, Teddy. This character seems kind, if not a bit goofy, and Morris perfectly embodies that role. Madison Hu (The Boogeyman, The Brothers Sun) plays a guest at the motel named Alice. Hu is a standout, starting out as an angsty runaway and evolving into a friendly face Gwen can confide in. Alice is a character who acts as a mirror for Gwen, both being on the run, except Gwen is the older and possibly wiser version of Alice. The dynamic between these two characters allows for very important exposition and character development, which Tonkin and Hu effortlessly convey through natural conversation.

In Night Shift, the motel itself is almost another character, so the production and set design is vital to the film. At first glance, the motel seems like any other seedy, run-down motel you might drive by in the middle of nowhere on a road trip. The filmmakers took extra care to make this specific motel even more unnerving. This includes blinding neon lights, bizarre taxidermy, rats, cockroaches, and even a dilapidated swimming pool emptied by a mysterious sinkhole. All these touches help put Gwen, as well as the viewers, on edge. Ramping up the terror is the addition of great makeup and practical effects to bring to life ghostly entities and deadly wounds.

Night Shift treads familiar motel-horror ground, but still packs in plenty of twists and turns to lure the audience in for a visit they won’t soon forget. It’s a strong debut for the China Brothers. They crafted an intriguing mystery, leaving clues throughout for the audience that make the final reveal a true “aha” moment. Tonkin is the beating heart of the film, with Morris and Hu also delivering strong performances. Night Shift gives audiences another reason to be wary of roadside motels.

OVERALL RATING: 7/10