Watch The Killing Jar

In the 1997 suspense thriller, The Killing Jar, a group of strangers come together unexpectedly in a small roadside diner, only to be trapped and terrorized by a mysterious, violent man. The film opens with a shot of the dusty Thibodeaux's diner, where a handful of locals are gathered for a night of drinking and storytelling. But when a drifter named Smith (played by Michael Madsen) walks in, the mood takes a sinister turn. Smith seems harmless enough at first, ordering a cup of coffee and making casual conversation with the other patrons. But when the diner's phone and radio mysteriously stop working, and the power goes out, the group realizes they are completely cut off from the outside world.

Tensions rise as Smith becomes increasingly aggressive and menacing, wielding a gun and taking the group hostage. The strangers are forced to confront their darkest secrets and fears as they try to outwit Smith and escape with their lives.

Brett Cullen stars as Jimmy, a Vietnam veteran who is haunted by his past and struggling to keep his life together. Tamlyn Tomita plays Noreen, a tough-talking waitress who knows how to handle herself in a dangerous situation. And Wes Studi portrays Doe, a stoic Native American who is keeping a mysterious secret from the group.

As the night wears on, the characters' pasts and motivations are slowly revealed, adding depth and complexity to the tense situation. Each of them has something to lose, and each must make difficult choices in order to survive.

The Killing Jar is a classic thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The script, by writer/director Mark Young, is tightly woven and suspenseful, with well-drawn characters and unexpected twists. The film is also visually striking, with moody, atmospheric cinematography that captures the eerie isolation of the diner and its surroundings.

The performances are top-notch, particularly Madsen's portrayal of the unpredictable and dangerous Smith. Cullen is also excellent as the tortured Jimmy, while Tomita brings a fierce energy to her role as Noreen. Studi, known for his work in films like Dances With Wolves and The Last of the Mohicans, brings a quiet intensity to his role as Doe.

Overall, The Killing Jar is a gripping, well-crafted film that will appeal to fans of classic suspense thrillers. Its small, claustrophobic setting and strong characterizations make for an intense and memorable viewing experience.

The Killing Jar is a 1997 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.5.