6:45 - Review

Saw this superbly crafted arthouse horror at the NYC premiere, and it was a thrilling experience from start to finish. The creators here take a simple premise (on the surface) and enrich it with twists galore, sumptuous cinematography, and two unbelievably real and heartfelt performances (plus a quirkily fun supporting cast). The story is really tightly-spun, keeping you guessing the whole time, and has a tremendously rewarding payoff. Really loved the way this was filmed, with such care and nuance - which I think truly elevates 6:45 to one of the best horrors of the 2020's. Intending to recharge their passionate romance, a young, hipster couple of artists arrive at a perfect winter vacation gateway where everything is not as idyllic and peaceful as they've imagined. Right in the opening sequence, as they catch the ferry during a storm, the sense of mystery and uncertainty predominate all over: foggy, cold imagery, remote commute, a beautiful strange woman. 

The scenario is just the beginning of a violent spiral of nightmares, as they become intrigued by the fact the island is pretty much abandoned- besides the owner of the guesthouse they stay at and some bargoers, nobody else seems to be around. They are alerted that there's no ferry back to town over the weekend, and some visitors really can't leave the place. They are just not aware of the reasons. Things get worse and bizarre when he becomes obsessed with the fact of waking up at the same time every morning, and re-living the same situations over and over again, including an inevitable murder. Director Craig Singer's time-looping psychological thriller is filled with amusingly gothic elements, starting from its open yet claustrophobic winter beach scenario, going through the structure of the hotel, the bizarre characters they meet at the bar, and the freakily scary serial killer hunting the protagonists. Filmed entirely around Asbury Park and Ocean Grove in New Jersey, this humbly and meticulously crafted horror indie is a highly efficient and convincingly mind-bending thriller that re-imagines the Groundhog myth with lots of chill and suspense, some gruesome bloodbaths and an unexpected twist.