Open 24 Hours
There you are at the Telluride Horror Show. You have waited all year for this. You and your crew have driven hours on the autumnal Colorado roads, checked into your condo, and walked the frosted streets to the historic Sheridan Theater. You’re practically vibrating with excitement. Until you make the unfortunate decision of beginning your film festival viewing experience with Open 24 Hours.
As a reviewer, I don’t like to bash or tear down movies, especially horror festival films, but I HATED Open 24 Hours. I voluntarily have a monthly awful movie night with my friends, and yet Open 24 Hours was unbearable for me.
I don’t really remember the details of the plot, but I’m not sure if it is because it is so flat and mundane or because I spent so much of the movie wanting to walk out. Mary (Vanessa Grasse) is released from prison after setting her serial killer boyfriend on fire. This seems like an interesting enough premise, and I began the movie engaged and curious to see where it might go. However, instead of capitalizing on the opportunity, Open 24 Hours stages every cliche horror breadcrumb then consummates none of them.
Is she actually fruit loops and imagining everything? Nope, that’s not it. Is she the real killer? Nope, not that either. I was sure some clever twist would emerge to save the movie and justify my time investment. I was wrong.
By the third act, as the body count began to rack up, my mind was completely numb. Every lack of plot twist and development became deeply frustrating.
Thankfully, the remainder of the Telluride Horror Show was able to nurse me back to mental healthy, but Open 24 Hours came dangerously close to poisoning an entire night with its uninspired mediocrity.
Fiery Pen 