Hours - A Movie Review

The definition of bravery is conquering tasks you are afraid of.

Hours swept into theaters in 2013. Amidst the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the story follows a father’s desperate struggle to keep his newborn premature baby alive in an isolated hospital destroyed by the storm.

Hours is one on-edge film that incorporates a lot into its storyline even when one sole character has most of the floor. Showcasing a prime example of bravery, keep trying at every possible moment for your survival.

In the final film before his untimely death, the late Paul Walker is nothing but a heroic man. He captures the vulnerability and fear of his character while also displaying an unwavering determination that keeps the audience rooting for him throughout the film. The emotional journey that Nolan undergoes is a profoundly moving performance by the late Walker.

Saddened by the loss of his wife, this does not change his love for his infant daughter. I had the biggest smile when Nolan was telling his little baby stories to pass the time. Racing around a dark hospital during a dangerous on no sleep and having to return to his child in limited time, Nolan defines that not all heroes wear capes.

Not a lot of characters appear throughout the movie, but there are doctors, patients, and flashbacks involving history with his wife. I like how the film recognizes Abigail’s (Genisis Rodriguez) personality instead of having her disappear. Their interactions were endearing in the flashbacks.

A furry dog is also involved in the story. Finding an abandoned dog in the hospital, Nolan has another distraction. He keeps throwing a ball to which the dog happily chases after it. Dogs make everything better.

This film keeps you on your toes. The real-time nature enhances the sense of urgency. The stakes grow higher at every passing minute, amplifying all of Nolan’s decisions. Due to the generator being on restricted power, he has to track himself in all of his medical scavenger hunts for the sake of his child’s life.

Facing numerous obstacles, from a power outage that threatens the life support systems to looters and the desperate search for additional supplies, Nolan’s time is sparse each working hour. It’s tedious watching Nolan do all of this, but it’s important for his character and the story.

The film maintains a relentless pace, occasionally picking up as Nolan races the halls until letting audiences sit and relax in a quiet moment. It’s an intense narrative. Even then, it’s hard to relax knowing when everything will be okay.

Although Hours is not a horror film, the emptiness of the deserted hospital adds an eerie quality. The cinematography effectively captures the claustrophobic environment, using tight shots and dim lighting to heighten the feeling of confinement and the dire circumstances faced by Nolan and his daughter.

Eric Heissener effectively captured the claustrophobic environment as well as what a hero defines as. Nolan stays awake for a long period of time, fighting sleep, and even an armed man. The film resonates with any parent or individual who’s had to look after someone in a precarious situation.

Hours is an on-edge film. Although it’s slow-paced and takes place in one setting, something happens at every moment until the gripping finale. Though it deals with tragic circumstances, it ultimately leaves viewers with a sense of hope that, even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can endure any battle.

Hours is streaming on Amazon Prime so take a look at it if you’re seeking a suspenseful film.