Horror fans, mark your calendars! Last Straw, an indie horror thriller making waves on the festival circuit, is set to release in select US theaters and on VOD this September 20, 2024. Directed by Alan Scott Neal in his feature debut, the film follows Nancy (Jessica Belkin), a young waitress working the overnight shift at a rural diner. Her quiet night takes a deadly turn when she becomes the target of masked attackers, leaving her to fight tooth and nail for survival.
The film first premiered at the 2023 Sitges Film Festival and has since been showcased at the Paris and Brussels Fantastic Film Festivals, gaining momentum as a must-watch for horror enthusiasts. Neal's direction captures the isolation of Nancy's terrifying ordeal, turning the roadside diner into a claustrophobic battleground. The trailer teases high tension, featuring the classic horror trope of a lone woman in danger, but promises a modern twist as Nancy turns the tables on her attackers in a visceral fight for her life.
Jessica Belkin delivers a powerful performance as Nancy, channeling vulnerability and fierce determination. Her transformation into a “final girl” figure—the kind of horror heroine who doesn't just survive but strikes back—adds a thrilling dimension to the film. The supporting cast includes Taylor Kowalski, Jeremy Sisto, Tara Raani, and Joji Otani-Hansen, adding to the tense atmosphere with their layered performances.
Produced by a talented team, including Daniel Brandt, Cole Eckerle, and Michael Giannone, Last Straw stands out in a crowded genre. The film's release will undoubtedly excite fans of intense, character-driven horror. If the trailer is any indication, this is not one to miss—it's a gripping tale of survival that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
