Burn (2019) is a darkly comedic crime thriller that explores the unexpected connections formed in moments of desperation. Directed by Mike Gan, this tense 88-minute film follows Melinda, a lonely and unstable gas station attendant played with compelling unease by Tilda Cobham-Hervey. When a desperate man named Billy (Josh Hutcherson) holds up the station at gunpoint, Melinda sees not a threat, but an opportunity to break free from her overshadowed existence and her more outgoing co-worker Sheila (Suki Waterhouse).

The film masterfully builds tension through claustrophobic direction and sharp performances that highlight the characters' shared isolation. Cobham-Hervey delivers a standout performance as Melinda, capturing both vulnerability and disturbing calculation as she navigates the dangerous situation. The dynamic between her character and Hutcherson's panicked robber creates an unpredictable atmosphere where loyalties shift and motivations blur.

What makes Burn worth watching is its unique blend of genres - part tense thriller, part dark character study, with moments of unexpected humor. The confined setting of the gas station becomes a pressure cooker for exploring themes of loneliness, desperation, and the human need for connection, however dangerous that connection might be. With its tight pacing and strong central performances, Burn offers a compelling viewing experience for fans of character-driven thrillers with psychological depth.