Last Straw (2023) is a tense, claustrophobic horror-thriller that traps viewers in a rural American diner as a night of unimaginable terror unfolds. The film follows a young waitress whose ordinary shift turns into a desperate fight for survival when a violent killing spree from the surrounding small town arrives at her doorstep. Over the course of one relentless night, she must use her wits and courage to outlast a mysterious and brutal threat.

The film's strength lies in its simple, high-concept premise and sustained atmosphere of dread. Director and writer Taylor Ri'chard crafts a lean, mean 83-minute experience that prioritizes tension over gore, though it delivers its share of shocking moments. The confined setting of the diner becomes a character itself, amplifying the feeling of isolation and vulnerability. Jessica Belkin delivers a compelling performance as the resourceful protagonist, effectively carrying the audience's empathy through her harrowing ordeal.

While its IMDb rating of 5.5 suggests a divisive reception, Last Straw succeeds as a straightforward, effective B-movie thriller. It understands its genre conventions and executes them with competence, offering a solid dose of suspense for horror fans. The pacing is brisk, and the rural setting adds a layer of eerie realism. If you're looking for a no-frills, single-location horror film with a classic survival premise, Last Straw is worth a watch for its committed central performance and its ability to maintain a palpable sense of threat throughout its tight runtime.