Late Shift (2016)
Late Shift (2016) is a groundbreaking interactive crime thriller that blurs the line between film and video game, offering viewers a choose-your-own-adventure experience. Directed by Tobias Weber and written by Michael Robert Johnson, this innovative project premiered at the New York Film Festival and later released widely in 2016. Starring Joe Sowerbutts as Matt, a London parking garage night worker, alongside Haruka Abe and Richard Durden, the film thrusts audiences into a high-stakes heist gone wrong, where every decision shapes the story’s outcome. Shot in full-motion video, Late Shift boasts seven possible endings and over 180 decision points, making it a pioneer in cinematic interactivity.
The plot kicks off with Matt, a mathematics student working a mundane late-night job, checking cars in a multi-story garage. His quiet shift takes a drastic turn when he’s ambushed by a group of armed thieves who force him to join their plan to steal a priceless Chinese artifact from a high-end auction house. What begins as a coerced errand spirals into a web of betrayal, car chases, and moral dilemmas as Matt navigates London’s criminal underworld. The leader, Sébastian (Joel Basman), is a volatile wildcard, while May-Ling (Abe), a sharp-witted accomplice, adds layers of intrigue to the crew’s dynamics.
The film’s brilliance lies in its interactivity—viewers decide whether Matt complies with the robbers, attempts to escape, or turns the tables, with choices ranging from subtle dialogue shifts to life-or-death actions. One moment, you’re negotiating with a gangster; the next, you’re racing through London streets or facing the consequences of a double-cross. The seamless editing and crisp cinematography by Oskar Kudlacik keep the tension taut, while the real-time pacing mirrors the urgency of Matt’s predicament. Composer Cyril Boehler’s score heightens the suspense, adapting to the branching paths.
Sowerbutts delivers a relatable everyman performance, balancing panic and resourcefulness, while the supporting cast adds depth to the chaotic night. Critics lauded Late Shift for its bold concept and replayability, though some noted the acting can feel stiff in spots due to the interactive format’s constraints. Still, its ambition shines through, offering a fresh take on storytelling that empowers the audience.
Whether Matt escapes, ends up in cuffs, or meets a grim fate depends entirely on you. Late Shift is a thrilling experiment in agency and consequence, perfect for fans of crime dramas and interactive media alike.