The complexities and ultimate similarities of American life play out in “The Last Shift.” A 2020 Sundance selection, the film became a buzzworthy project thanks to outstanding lead actors along with a carefully crafted storyline for these times. Its overall sensibilities and emphasis on realism is evidence of a director and writer with deep roots in documentary filmmaking. Andrew Cohn assumes both key duties on the upcoming release—his first attempt at feature-length fictional narratives. Before creating ‘Shift’ Cohn assumed directorial duties on projects like ESPN 30 for 30’s “Kid Danny” and the acclaimed look at educational challenges, “Night School.”
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Richard Jenkins and Shane Paul McGhie bring to life the film’s central pairing. It’s easy to focus on the veteran Jenkins’ performance as the long-beleaguered fast food employee yet McGhie leaves a lasting impression of his own. The list of accomplished actors goes well beyond the duo with Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Birgundi Baker, Allison Tolman, and Ed O’Neill all adding memorable contributions.
The film’s official synopsis:
“The Last Shift” is an American story about two men struggling in the same town, while worlds apart. Stanley (Richard Jenkins), an aging fast-food worker, plans to call it quits after 38 years on the graveyard shift at Oscar’s Chicken and Fish. His last weekend takes a turn while training his replacement, Jevon (Shane Paul McGhie), a talented but stalled young writer whose provocative politics keep landing him in trouble. These two who share little in common are brought together through circumstance. Stanley, a high school dropout who has watched life pass by his drive-through window, proudly details the nuances of the job. While Jevon, a columnist who’s too smart to be flipping patties, contends their labor is being exploited. A flicker of comradery sparks during the long overnight hours in a quiet kitchen.
Albert Berger & Ron Yerxa, Sam Bisbee, Alex Lipschultz, Bert Kern produce “The Last Shift.” The film is set for a September 25 theatrical release.