Rest Area (2004) User Reviews

A nifty and wickedly funny dark comedy short

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 7 July 2009]

Sean (a sound and engaging performance by Blaine Pate) is driving on lonely backroads en route to a business appointment in the wee hours of the morning. The weary Sean stops off at a rest area for some much-needed sleep. At the rest area Sean encounters Amy (an endearingly flaky portrayal by the adorable Marcelina Willis), a kooky chatterbox whose constant irritating talking keeps the poor guy awake. Writer/director Archie Gips crafts a dandy little black comedy short which effectively mines a nice line in sharp sarcastic humor and keeps you guessing to the very end about the true nature of both characters. The edgy and natural chemistry between the first-rate leads keeps things humming throughout; watching Amy grate on Sean's nerves makes for compelling and often extremely funny viewing. The conclusion is genuinely startling. The desolate location adds a strong sense of isolation and vulnerability. Kudos are also in order for the shadowy cinematography and Devin Powers' spare'n'mellow jazzy score. Well worth seeing.

2004 Tribeca film festival brilliance.

[djxero-1 · 9/10 · 10 May 2004]

I saw this short film at the Tribeca film festival this past week. As simple as it is, that's how completely unique and excellent it is. Sean (Blaine Pate), is driving to a business appointment late at night when he gets really tired and decides to stop at a rest area to catch some sleep. That's where he meets Amy (Marcelina Willis), a lonely traveller, who asks if she can join him in his car. The rest is brilliance. With the suspense of Hitchcock and the comedic timing of Mel Brooks, this was clearly my vote for best short. I loved it.