Upon returning from his service in war-torn Afghanistan, US Marine Nelson Sanchez (co-writer Victor Almanzar) is reminded of his past when a wayward friend alerts him of an incoming threat.  A thug by the name of Nicky Quinn (Mike Carlsen) has been mulling over the death of his brother ever since Nelson – in desperate measures – killed him point blank.  Quinn’s buddies stake out Nelson’s hometown and all the exits are blocked – the marine has a single day to prepare for Nicky’s visit.

11:55 is a powder keg of emotion.  It’s unlike any other hood drama in years.  Although it marginally borrows narrative structure and internal characterization from Spike Lee’s classic Do The Right Thing, directors/co-writers Ari Issler and Ben Snyder portray trapped anticipation through genuine conversations, restless silence, and disrupted comfort.  Characters have thoughtful conversations about pivotal decisions signaling that they truly recognize the repercussions of their actions.  In the context of Nicky Quinn’s perspective, Issler and Snyder propose an opposite technique to make Quinn an apathetic enemy as he ignores the worries of his pregnant wife (Julia Stiles, in a memorable cameo)

11:55 doesn’t show off.  It’s a film that naturally captures life around its story while remaining concerned about Nelson’s uncertain future.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie