BURN (2019)

Starring Josh Hutcherson, Suki Waterhouse, Tilda Cobham-Hervey

Directed by Mike Gan

Written by Mike Gan

Distributed by Momentum Pictures. 88 minutes. Opening 8/23 at Arena Cinelounge Sunset.

This humble yet complexly thrilling feature is quite the impressive directorial debut for USC graduate, Mike Gan. Burn tells the story of one young woman’s desire to be seen and the drastic measures she takes to feel in control of her life.

Seemingly taking cues from his film school days, Burn is a one-location, one-time frame film that centers around a small, yet mighty, cast of characters. Set in a gas station in the middle of nowhere, co-workers Melinda (Tilda Cobham-Hervey) and Sheila (Suki Waterhouse) couldn’t be more different. Their opposite personalities – Melinda is socially awkward and Sheila is the social butterfly – makes having any sort of relationship difficult. This obvious strain has Melinda daydreaming about a relationship with Officer Liu (Harry Shum Jr.) the cop who stops by for his nightly cup of coffee. This particular night, however, the girls are forced to pull together when a masked gunman (Josh Hutcherson) demands they turn over the cash in their register.

For better or for worse, Melinda wants attention any way she can and feels like this is her moment to get it. Thus, begins her absurd quest to forge a relationship with the gunman. Melinda’s gullibility is quirky and charming at the beginning of the film but her obsessive quest for this male’s attention – which includes drugging and raping him – turns sour and frustrating toward the film’s end.

Slightly reminiscent of Yoga Hosers, sans the Nazi-sympathizing sausages, Burn is a dark look at what the suppression of emotional distress looks like, and what can happen when one is pushed too far. If it leaves you with one message, it’s this: don’t overlook the unassuming quiet girl, she could be the devil in disguise.