Thirst is a 2023 American apocalyptic survival thriller about the spread of unbridled insomnia in a small town, causing psychosis, fear and panic. As the situation becomes dire, two couples find salvation on an abandoned ranch until nefarious characters descend upon the land, claiming it as their own, and chaos ensues…
Written, directed, co-produced and scored by Eric Owen, making his feature directorial debut; he is also the drummer for the rock band Black Pistol Fire. Also produced by Josh Taylor.
The movie stars Brian Villalobos, Michael Gmur, Scotty Walker, Cynthia Fray, Lori Kovacevich and Federica Estaba Rangel.
Reviews:
“Owen is concerned with the family unit and how it can come together in times of great difficulty, but he is unable to make any of his ideas hit home. The pandering final title card only cements this confusion–it makes it feel like the filmmakers are trying to deliver a message instead of a story. Ultimately, they leave us with a muddle of half-formed concepts and little else.” High on Films
“The film’s final act takes a sharp turn. In some ways, it works. It explains a lot of what preceded it. On the other hand, the allegory isn’t effective, and the tonal shift is jarring. Neither element manages to derail the film entirely, but some of the answers to the questions raised in the beginning aren’t satisfying.” 3.5 out of 5, Maddwolf
“It’s obvious Owen is passionate about the message he wanted Thirst to deliver, and the story has the elements to deliver it in an entertaining manner. But it can’t sell the danger at the center of the plot and it never manages to convey the mind altering effects of long term sleep deprivation. Watching it may work as a cure for chronic insomnia though.” 1 out of 5, Voices from the Balcony
YouTube reviews:
Trailer:
Release:
In the US, Gravitas Ventures released Eric Owen’s Thirst On-Demand (VOD) on September 5, 2023.
Notes:
Not to be confused with many other movies titled Thirst.
