The feature debut of brothers Zeke Hawkins and Simon Hawkins, We Gotta Get Out Of This Place is a confident, if recognisable, noir thriller. In the final days before leaving for college, Sue (Mackenzie Davis) and Bobby (Jeremy Allen White) all of a sudden find themselves caught up in murky waters when BJ (Logan Huffman), Sue’s boyfriend, steals from his boss’ safe. Resembling many of the thrillers that came before it, We Gotta Get Out Of This Place doesn’t have an easy ride, with its narrative stuttering in fits and spurts. It’s propped up, however, by an effectively tense atmosphere and an array of accomplished performances, lead by Davis, who brings depth, tenderness and a steely drive to her otherwise run-of-the-mill damsel in distress and further confirms her as an actress to keep a firm eye on. It’s shaky footing no doubt, but there’s enough evidence here to propose that the directors forge on ahead.
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