Juliana Harkavy, who previously appeared in THE WALKING DEAD, portrays Jessica Loren, a new police officer, as she speaks with her concerned mother from inside her car outside a police station. It’s Loren’s first day and she’s assigned to watch over the nearly deserted station while calls are being sent elsewhere. Upon entering, she's met by Sgt. Cohen (Hank Stone from LEGION OF THE DEAD), who seems strange. The sergeant gives her a tour of the empty building – no prisoners, staff, or other officers present – provides his phone number for emergencies, instructs her to remain at her post, and then goes home. The initial premise is reminiscent of John Carpenter’s ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 (which, naturally, you should have seen, correct?). However, LAST SHIFT doesn't involve a gang attacking the station; it takes a different path entirely. This is the same location where Loren’s father, also a police officer, died during the arrest and interrogation of members resembling a Manson-like cult. These past events weigh heavily on Loren, and various unsettling and confusing occurrences push her toward panic. Things like furniture moving on its own, a silent homeless man gaining access to the secure building, an emergency call from a young woman needing rescue from kidnappers, and visions of deceased cult members all happen. Is it possible the station is haunted? Or could this be a complicated trick being played on the new officer? Perhaps she’s simply losing her grip on reality? The writing team of Anthony DiBlasi and Scott Poiley, with DiBlasi at the helm as director, successfully transformed an uncomplicated situation and single setting into a source of mounting suspense. It's not often that I find myself genuinely unnerved while watching a movie. Harkavy’s performance creates a character who is both strong and vulnerable, making her feel real. That definitely increases the fear factor when you connect with and care about the protagonist. The conclusion felt disappointing. The script and direction skillfully follow horror film tropes, so I anticipated something beyond the expected 'twist' that appeared. Nevertheless, until then it was a genuinely creepy experience.

Source on TMDB