Night Train (2023)
Night Train (2023)
Night Train (2023), directed by Shane Stanley, is a low-budget action thriller that aims to blend emotional stakes with fast-paced tension. It stars Danielle C. Ryan as Holly McCord, a single mother who turns to smuggling black market pharmaceuticals in a souped-up truck, nicknamed “Night Train,” to pay for her son’s life-saving medical treatment.
The film follows a familiar “desperate parent” narrative, with Holly navigating a dangerous world of criminals and federal agents, including a determined agent played by Diora Baird. The core of the story revolves around a mother’s willingness to sacrifice everything for her child, giving the movie emotional weight—though it’s often undercut by a weak script and predictable plot beats.
Danielle C. Ryan gives a committed performance and carries the film with sincerity, even when the material doesn’t quite match her intensity. The action sequences, while present, are limited by the film’s budget and often feel flat. The dialogue can be clunky, and some scenes lack the cinematic polish expected in a gripping thriller.
Despite its flaws, Night Train has moments of charm. The emotional core is commendable, and the film’s message about the lengths a parent will go for their child resonates. However, uneven pacing, lackluster cinematography, and underdeveloped characters prevent it from reaching its full potential.
It’s a film with good intentions and a solid concept, but ultimately, Night Train struggles to stand out in a crowded genre.
