Watch 11:55

11:55 is a 2016 American drama film directed by Ari Issler and Ben Snyder, following a returning US marine, Nelson Sanchez, played by Victor Almanzar, who tries to move on from his dark past in his hometown of Newburgh, New York. The movie opens with a suspenseful scene that introduces the audience to the character of Nelson Sanchez. As he drives back into town, the viewers learn that Nelson has been discharged from the Marines for a violent incident that occurred during his service in Iraq. He comes back to his hometown with hopes of starting anew, but soon realizes that his past will not let him be.

The local gang of Newburgh, who have titled themselves the Bloods, are having issues with their former member, Nicky (David Zayas). Nelson and Nicky had a falling out before Nelson left for the Marines, and now, the gang wants vengeance. The Bloods plan to end Nicky's life at exactly 11:55 pm when he is scheduled to arrive in town, and they are going to do it right outside the corner store where Nelson works.

The movie is set in real-time and follows Nelson's experience during the hours leading up to Nicky's arrival. Nelson spends his time reconnecting with his former girlfriend, Angie (Shirley Rumierk), and his sister, Maria (Elizabeth Rodriguez), who has recently been released from prison for drug trafficking. Through these interactions, the audience learns about the struggles of life in Newburgh and how it's not easy to leave the past behind.

11:55 shows the side of violence that doesn't get talked about, the aftermath of war on the human psyche. Nelson is struggling to deal with the trauma he endured during his service in Iraq, and his hometown is a reflection of everything he is trying to escape. Despite his efforts, he cannot help but get sucked back into its chaos.

As the night continues, tensions steadily rise to a nail-biting climax. Nelson is forced to confront both his past and his future, and the choices he makes will determine his survival. The film portrays the human cost of gang violence and the inspiration one can find from within to push past the pain.

11:55 is a movie grounded in reality, exploring the layered themes of family, love, and destiny. The portrayal of a Marine trying to start over after traumatic experiences is relatable, and the characters are well-developed. The cast delivers incredibly nuanced performances, especially Victor Almanzar, who delivers an authentic depiction of a veteran coping with PTSD.

The cinematography is not flashy, but it is effective in immersing the viewer in the atmosphere of the film's setting. The handheld camera style creates a sense of urgency, adding to the palpable tension experienced throughout the movie.

Overall, 11:55 is a contemplative and emotive story that tackles complex themes of redemption, kinship, and survival. This movie is a perfect example of how a small independent production team can make heart-wrenching and gritty films that resonate with audiences. A must-watch for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and intense drama.

11:55 is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.