Cast
View AllPhoebe Tonkin
as Gwen Taylor
Lamorne Morris
as Teddy Miles
Madison Hu
as Alice
Lauren Bowles
as Birdie
Patrick Fischler
as Warner
Christopher Denham
as Walton Grey
Connor Price
as Cole
Jess Varley
as News Anchor
Dennis Grimes
as Orderly #1
David Carrera
as Orderly #2
Tom Dang
as Delivery Guy
Tricia Small
as Ghost #1
Ella Stabile
as Ghost #2
Joy Picodot
as Ghost #3
Crew
Director
- Paul China
- Benjamin China
Writer
- Paul China
- Benjamin China
Producer
- Eric B. Fleischman
- Maurice Fadida
- John Hodges
- Bradley Pilz
- Dennis Rainaldi
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Night Shift presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by blending supernatural elements with realistic human reactions.
Director Paul China brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Night Shift took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 83 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 105 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Night Shift shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Let Us Prey, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Night Shift offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Clown Motel: Spirits Arise and Elevator to the Gallows explore similar territory, Night Shift stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 3, 2023
- Runtime: 1h 23m
Where to Watch




