Movie Review: Desperate Hour (2021) – A Tense Thriller That Falls Short

Starring: Naomi Watts
Director: Phillip Noyce
Genre: Thriller, Drama

A Race Against Time—But Does It Deliver?

Naomi Watts takes center stage in Desperate Hour (2021), a high-stakes thriller that attempts to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. With its minimalistic approach and real-time tension, the film strives to be an intense, immersive experience. But does it succeed, or does it run out of steam before the finish line?

Plot Summary

Amy Carr (Naomi Watts), a grieving mother trying to rebuild her life after her husband’s death, goes for a morning run in the woods. What starts as a peaceful escape quickly turns into a nightmare when she receives a chilling phone call: her son’s school is on lockdown due to an active shooter situation. Stranded miles away from home with only her phone, Amy must use every resource available to stay connected, gather information, and do whatever it takes to protect her son—all while racing against time.

The Performances

Naomi Watts delivers a strong, emotionally charged performance, carrying the film almost entirely on her own. Her ability to convey panic, determination, and vulnerability keeps the audience engaged. However, the film’s heavy reliance on a single character limits its emotional depth, making it difficult for viewers to connect with anyone beyond Amy.

Direction & Execution

Phillip Noyce crafts a sleek, real-time thriller with moments of genuine suspense. The use of phone calls and GPS tracking adds a modern touch to the storytelling. However, the premise feels stretched thin over the runtime, and the tension, while effective at first, starts to lose its grip due to repetitive sequences and predictable turns.

Final Verdict

Desperate Hour is an ambitious thriller with a strong central performance, but its minimalistic approach doesn’t always work in its favor. While the film manages to build suspense, it ultimately struggles to sustain it, leaving audiences wanting more depth and unpredictability.

⭐ 3/5 Stars – A tense but ultimately underwhelming thriller.