Burn movie (2019), directed by Mike Gan, is a psychological thriller that delves into the unraveling mind of a lonely gas station attendant, Melinda, portrayed by Tilda Cobham-Hervey. The film unfolds in a single location—a gas station—where Melinda’s mundane life turns dark when a desperate man, Billy (Josh Hutcherson), attempts a robbery. Rather than reacting with fear, Melinda seizes the opportunity to connect, triggering unsettling events that blur the boundaries between victim and perpetrator.
Cobham-Hervey delivers a standout performance, capturing Melinda’s descent into obsession and instability. Her portrayal is both sympathetic and disturbing, making the character’s actions unpredictable and the narrative gripping. The film’s confined setting amplifies the tension, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. While the plot occasionally stretches believability, the strong performances and tight direction maintain engagement throughout.
Critics have noted the film’s exploration of loneliness and the desire for connection, with some comparing Melinda’s character to iconic figures like Annie Wilkes from Misery. The film has received mixed reviews, holding a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite its flaws, Burn offers a compelling character study and a tense viewing experience for fans of psychological thrillers.
Is Burn the movie based on a true story?
No, Burn movie (2019) is not directly based on a true story. However, director Mike Gan drew inspiration from a real-life event involving a robbery where the perpetrators faced unexpected consequences. In an interview, Gan mentioned that he read about a robbery in another country that went awry, leading him to explore the psychological dynamics of such a situation in his film.
While the film’s plot is fictional, it incorporates elements that reflect real human emotions and reactions. The characters and their decisions are crafted to resonate with audiences, even if the specific events didn’t occur in reality.
In essence, Burn is a work of fiction that uses a real incident as a springboard to delve into themes of desperation, power shifts, and the complexities of human behavior under stress.
Cast of the movies
The 2019 thriller Burn features a compelling ensemble cast that brings depth to its tense narrative. Here’s an overview of the main cast and their standout roles:
Tilda Cobham-Hervey as Melinda
Cobham-Hervey delivers a riveting performance as Melinda, a lonely gas station attendant whose desire for connection leads her down a dark path. Her portrayal captures the character’s psychological unraveling, making Melinda both sympathetic and unsettling. Critics have praised her nuanced depiction of Melinda’s descent into instability.
Josh Hutcherson as Billy
Hutcherson plays Billy, a desperate man who attempts to rob the gas station. As the story unfolds, his character becomes entangled in a complex dynamic with Melinda. Hutcherson’s performance adds layers to Billy, portraying him as more than just a typical antagonist.
Suki Waterhouse as Sheila
Waterhouse portrays Sheila, Melinda’s confident and outgoing co-worker. Her character serves as a foil to Melinda, highlighting the latter’s feelings of invisibility and longing for recognition. Waterhouse’s performance adds tension to the workplace dynamic, emphasizing the social contrasts between the two characters.
Shiloh Fernandez as Perry
Fernandez takes on the role of Perry, Sheila’s boyfriend. His interactions with Melinda further complicate the narrative, adding another layer to the film’s exploration of interpersonal relationships.
Harry Shum Jr. as Officer Liu
Shum Jr. plays Officer Liu, a local police officer who becomes involved in the unfolding events. His character represents a semblance of order amidst the chaos, and Shum Jr.’s performance brings a calm yet authoritative presence to the film.
Each actor contributes significantly to Burn’s tense atmosphere, with Cobham-Hervey’s portrayal of Melinda standing out as a particularly compelling performance.
Here’s the full cast list for the 2019 psychological thriller Burn. Each actor contributes to the film’s tension
- Tilda Cobham-Hervey as Melinda
- Josh Hutcherson as Billy
- Suki Waterhouse as Sheila
- Shiloh Fernandez as Perry
- Harry Shum Jr. as Officer Liu
- James Devoti as Dominik
- Rob Figueroa as Philip
- John D. Hickman as Bruce
- Wayne Pyle as Fred
- Winter-Lee Holland as Delores
- Steve Garfanti as Guy
- Malina Moye as Dispatcher
- Angel Valle Jr. as Cory
- Doug Motel as Howard
- Keith Leonard as Darryl
