No Exit: A Claustrophobic Whodunit With Genuine Suspense

The snow swirls violently outside the rest stop’s windows, trapping our protagonist Darby inside with four strangers—one of whom is a kidnapper. This is the claustrophobic setup of No Exit, Damien Power’s 2022 thriller that takes its cues from classic whodunits and modern survival narratives.

Based on Taylor Adams’ novel, the film stars Havana Rose Liu as Darby Thorne, a recovering addict who stumbles upon a kidnapped child hidden in one of the other stranded travelers’ cars. The cast is rounded out by Danny Ramirez, David Rysdahl, Dale Dickey, and Dennis Haysbert as the four suspects, with Mila Harris playing the young victim, Jay.

Power delivers a tense, atmospheric thriller that plays like a cinematic game of Cluedo. The film’s strength lies in its ability to sustain suspense within the confines of a single location. The rest stop set is utilized effectively, with Power and cinematographer Charlie Waite making the most of the limited space. The blizzard outside serves as an ever-present threat, amplifying the tension as Darby tries to piece together who among her fellow travelers is the kidnapper.

Liu’s performance is a highlight, grounding the film in emotional truth. Her portrayal of Darby’s desperation and determination is compelling, making the audience root for her despite her flawed past. The supporting cast also delivers solid performances, with Ramirez and Rysdahl particularly standing out as they navigate the moral complexities of their characters.

However, No Exit isn’t without its flaws. The pacing can feel uneven at times, with some scenes dragging while others rush by. The film’s twist is telegraphed early on, and the resolution feels somewhat rushed, undercutting the build-up of tension. Additionally, some of the dialogue feels stilted, particularly in the scenes where Darby attempts to extract information from her fellow travelers.

The film’s originality is its biggest strength and weakness. While the premise is intriguing and the setting unique, the execution feels familiar. Power leans heavily on established thriller tropes, and while he does so competently, there’s little here that feels fresh or surprising.

No Exit is a reasonably diverting popcorn movie, but it’s not one that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.