We arrive in Arkansas in the late 90’s just in time to work a double at the local hospital. Mandy (Angela Bettis), a junkie nurse, runs the supply side of an organ-trafficking ring with the help of her cousin/bagwoman, Regina (a gleeful Chloe Farnworth) and her supervisor, Karen (Nikea Gamby-Turner). After misplacing a kidney, Regina turns up at the hospital in search of a replacement lest she be forced to provide one herself. Mandy, who just wants to get her drugs and get through her shift, is soon beset on all sides by a white-knight cop, a recovering murderer, a gangster with an epic rat tail and her fellow pissed-off, no-bullshit nurses. Hijinks ensue. There’s a musical number. This is a gorefest with the soul of a thirties screwball comedy. 

The great thing about this movie – one of many – is that it perfectly narrows down the universe to you and your coworkers at your shitty job. This movie is set in a hospital – do we see any doctors? Nah. This isn’t about them. It’s about the hospital staff – nurses, EMTs, administrators – dealing with their real lives while still somehow managing to show up for work. It’s about getting a little high and Dorothy being a busybody and whether or not there is cake left in the break room. It’s basically Clerks with organ trafficking, which is a great goddamn idea and I can’t believe no one picked up this ball and ran with it sooner.

Another gift is David Arquette, who shows up for about ten non-consecutive minutes to raise some hell and demonstrate that he’s still alive and surprisingly hot. He also co-produces. Thanks for using your face to help bring attention to this film, David. You’re a mensch.

12 Hour Shift was written and directed by Brea Grant, who in addition to making films is also an actress and a comic book author. She can’t be stopped.

Pair this movie with some Hot Cheetos and a White Claw. Take an intermission to smoke. You have my blessing.