Burn (2019) is a darkly comedic crime thriller that turns a routine gas station robbery into a tense character study. Directed by Mike Gan, this American indie film explores loneliness, desperation, and the strange connections that form under extreme pressure. The story follows Melinda (Tilda Cobham-Hervey), a socially awkward gas station attendant overshadowed by her charismatic coworker, whose monotonous night shift takes a dramatic turn when a desperate man (Josh Hutcherson) enters with a gun.

What makes Burn compelling is its subversion of typical crime thriller tropes. Instead of focusing solely on the robbery's tension, the film delves into the psychological dynamics between the robber and the attendant. Tilda Cobham-Hervey delivers a standout performance as Melinda, capturing her character's vulnerability and hidden desperation with subtle intensity. Josh Hutcherson effectively portrays the robber's conflicted morality, creating an unexpected chemistry that drives the narrative.

The film's tight 88-minute runtime maintains suspense while allowing character development to unfold naturally. Director Mike Gan makes excellent use of the confined gas station setting, creating claustrophobic tension that amplifies the emotional stakes. While the 5.7 IMDb rating suggests some narrative unevenness, Burn offers a fresh take on the crime genre with its focus on human connection rather than just criminal action. Viewers should watch this film for its strong performances, psychological depth, and the way it transforms a simple premise into an engaging exploration of loneliness and unexpected bonding.