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The Desperate Hour

The Desperate Hour

Thriller · 2022

A woman desperately races to save her child after police place her hometown on lockdown due to an active shooter incident.

Movie details

The Desperate Hour

“Time is running out.”

2022 Thriller 1h 24m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

6.0 / 10

Community rating

A woman desperately races to save her child after police place her hometown on lockdown due to an active shooter incident.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over The Desperate Hour?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

Black Widow

Black Widow

Thriller · 1987

Federal agent Alexandra Barnes believes that Catherine Petersen is a serial killer who marries rich men and then murders them for their money. But since Catherine is seemingly a master of disguise and has multiple identities, Alexandra can't prove anything with conventional detective work. With no other option, she goes undercover, pursuing the same man as Catherine, and hoping that Catherine will slip up and reveal her true identity.

The Wilby Conspiracy

The Wilby Conspiracy

Adventure · 1975

Having spent 10 years in prison for nationalist activities, Shack Twala is finally ordered released by the South African Supreme Court but he finds himself almost immediately on the run after a run-in with the police. Assisted by his lawyer Rina Van Niekirk and visiting British engineer Jim Keogh, he heads for Capetown where he hopes to recover a stash of diamonds, meant to finance revolutionary activities, that he had entrusted to a dentist before his incarceration. Along the way, they are followed by Major Horn of the South African State security bureau and it becomes apparent that he has no intention of arresting them until they reach their final destination

Dirty Mary Crazy Larry

Dirty Mary Crazy Larry

Action · 1974

Down-on-their-luck racers Larry and Deke steal from a supermarket manager to buy a car that will help them advance their racing chances. Their escape does not go as planned when Larry's one-night stand, Mary, tags along for the ride.

Overdrive

Overdrive

Thriller · 2017

Master car thieves square off against French gangsters in the South of France with money, women and lives all on the line.

No Name on the Bullet

No Name on the Bullet

Action · 1959

When hired killer John Gant rides into Lordsburg, the town's folk become paranoid as each leading citizen has enemies capable of using the services of a professional killer for personal revenge.

Fast Track: No Limits

Fast Track: No Limits

Action · 2008

Four young thrill-seekers race cars on the streets of Germany.

Oscar Shaw

Oscar Shaw

Action · 2026

After retiring from the police force, a relentless detective haunted by the tragic loss of his closest friend sets out on a perilous quest for vengeance, seeking redemption and fighting to restore justice to the streets he once swore to protect.

Race with the Devil

Race with the Devil

Action · 1975

Two couples vacationing together in an R.V. from Texas to Colorado are terrorized after they witness a murder during a Satanic ritual.

On Fire

On Fire

Drama · 2023

Inspired by true and harrowing events, an ordinary man finds his world suddenly torn apart as devastating wildfires rip through the surrounding countryside. With precious moments ticking by, he must flee with his son and pregnant wife if they have any hope of surviving the rapid forces of mother nature.

Killer Bean Forever

Killer Bean Forever

Animation · 2008

When things go bad in Beantown, top assassin Killer Bean is called to clean-up the mess. Detective Cromwell finds himself in the middle between Killer Bean and mob boss Cappuccino.

Where it lives

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Phillip Noyce

Written by

Chris Sparling

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts

Amy Carr

Colton Gobbo

Colton Gobbo

Noah Carr

Sierra Maltby

Sierra Maltby

Emily

Michelle Johnston

Michelle Johnston

Heather (voice)

W

Woodrow Schrieber

Detective Paulson (voice)

David Reale

David Reale

CJ (voice)

Jason Clarke

Jason Clarke

Greg Minor (voice)

Court is in session

Put The Desperate Hour on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Adrenaline Seeker

“Momentum is a formal choice.”

The velocity sharpens instinct and tension, making every beat land before self-importance can settle in.

The prosecution The Auteur Devotee

“Speed as an alibi.”

The film races past its weak spots and hopes acceleration will keep the audience from inspecting the evidence.