Watch The Shift

The Shift is a 2013 independent drama film directed by Lee Cipolla, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Leo Oliva. The film stars Oliva as Detective Ben Nolan, who is investigating a string of robberies in the downtown area of his city. The movie begins with a tense and intense opening scene where we see a robbery in progress with three masked, armed individuals entering a bank, and taking everything they can before they make a hasty retreat. Detective Nolan is assigned to the case and tasked with bringing the perpetrators to justice. During the course of his investigation, he begins to uncover a shocking and intricate web of corruption that leads all the way to the highest levels of government.

As Nolan digs deeper into the case, he realizes that everything he thought he knew about his city, his department, and even himself is being called into question. The thematic content of The Shift largely revolves around questions of morality, power, and the true nature of justice. The central character, Detective Nolan, must interrogate his own sense of right and wrong as he delves into the case and confronts the corrupt systems he finds.

The Shift isn't just an examination of institutional corruption, however. The film also explores the personal struggles of its characters. Danny Glover plays a priest named Father Leo who meets with Nolan throughout the movie. Through their interactions, much is revealed about Nolan's own tortured past and how his personal history has shaped him into the man he is today. Casey Fitzgerald puts in another one of the standout performances of the movie and rounds out the cast as Sarah, a compassionate and dedicated investigator who quickly becomes caught up in Nolan's dangerous mission.

As Nolan becomes more and more deeply involved in the case, the stakes continue to rise. He knows that he is up against powerful people who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden. But he is equally determined to uncover the truth, no matter what the cost may be. The final act of the movie culminates in a intense, gripping showdown that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

The production values of The Shift are strong throughout. Beautifully shot, with a hauntingly evocative score, it is clear that the filmmakers put a great deal of effort and care into crafting their vision. The quality of the acting throughout is consistently good, with Glover's quiet dignity and Oliva's gritty determination being particular highlights.

Overall, The Shift is an engaging and thought-provoking thriller that ought to appeal to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story with complex characters and moral themes. Whether you're a fan of crime thrillers or simply appreciate well-made independent cinema, The Shift is worth your time. It may not be a big-budget blockbuster with all the bells and whistles, but it doesn't need to be. What it is, is a smart, stylish, and genuinely gripping film that packs a powerful punch.

The Shift is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.