Night Train (2023)

Genre: Action | Thriller | Crime Drama
Directed by: Shane Stanley
Starring: Danielle C. Ryan, Diora Baird, Ivan Sergei, Joseph D. Reitman
Studio: Samera Entertainment | Vision Films
Runtime: 96 minutes

Night Train (2023) is an independent action thriller that rolls on familiar tracks but adds enough personality and earnestness to keep the ride engaging. Directed by Shane Stanley, the film may not reinvent the genre, but it offers a solid story of survival, grit, and redemption, centered around a tough female protagonist with everything on the line.

Holly McCord (Danielle C. Ryan) is a single mother and part-time bounty hunter struggling to make ends meet. When a high-stakes job lands in her lap—transporting a dangerous criminal across state lines to collect a life-changing reward—she boards what should be a routine journey. But it quickly becomes a race against time and betrayal, as criminals, corrupt cops, and hidden agendas collide.

Set largely on the road, Night Train becomes a claustrophobic and relentless chase thriller where every decision could mean life or death.

Danielle C. Ryan is the heart and muscle of the film. As Holly, she delivers a grounded and compelling performance, balancing toughness with moments of emotional vulnerability. Her physical commitment to the action scenes is clear, and she brings much-needed authenticity to the character.

Ivan Sergei and Diora Baird provide strong supporting roles, though their characters are more functional than fleshed-out. Joseph D. Reitman brings a sense of menace and unpredictability as the criminal in custody.

For a modest-budget film, Night Train punches above its weight. Shane Stanley directs with a lean, no-frills style that suits the gritty tone. The action sequences, while not overly complex, are tightly edited and effective. Car chases, shootouts, and hand-to-hand moments are grounded in realism rather than spectacle.

The cinematography makes smart use of desert highways, train yards, and tight interiors, creating tension through space and silence. The score is functional but occasionally dips into generic territory.

• Single motherhood and sacrifice

• Trust and betrayal in a world of survival

• Redemption and second chances

• The cost of justice in a corrupt system

While not subtle, the film tries to inject emotional stakes into its action structure, giving Holly more than just bullets to dodge—she’s fighting for her daughter, her dignity, and her future.

• Strong, believable female lead

• Solid pacing and action for an indie film

• Clear stakes and tight narrative

• Gritty, stripped-down tone that fits the story

• Realistic stunts and practical effects

• Predictable plot beats

• Thin character development for supporting roles

• Limited scope due to budget

• Occasionally uneven dialogue

Night Train isn’t a blockbuster, but it never pretends to be. It’s a tight, honest, character-driven thriller with enough punch to satisfy fans of the genre. With Danielle C. Ryan’s compelling lead performance and Shane Stanley’s focused direction, it proves that you don’t need a big budget to deliver a satisfying ride.