Originally written, produced, and shot in 72 hours, Bus Stop premiered at the London Short Film Festival and picked up the prize for Best Film at the Durham Film Festival. Now, the film is continuing its festival run while focusing its run on fests that it allow it to peacefully co-exist online.

The film stars Sam Underwood (Dexter, The Following) and Valorie Curry (The Following, House of Lies) as two strangers who meet at a bus stop - he's just been fired. She's just been dumped. In an impromptu attempt to cheer each other up, the two go on a tour of his hometown. However, as one might expect, reality bumps into them.

When you consider that Bus Stop was originally shot in the short span of 72 hours, it's really nothing short of a miraculous little film with a tremendous spirit, strong production values, stellar performances, and a simple, winning script that keeps you following from beginning to end.

Underwood and Curry are a delight together. In fact, I kept thinking of some of the good ole' 80's brat pack movies with their casual, fun chemistry and their impossible to ignore characters. While this film was pretty far from brat pack, I could easily see Underwood and Curry displaying a wonderful chemistry whether they were in an action-packed drama or a silly ole' sitcom.

Underwood displays this wonderfully woven together strength and vulnerability mixed with a quiet humor that makes you instantly like him, while Curry has such a natural charisma that you can't help but fall for her completely. Together? It's cinematic perfection.

Writer/director Jamie Sims paces the film beautifully and has written a script that feels authentic from beginning to end with about as perfect an ending as one can ask for within the span of an indie short. The film also features absolutely unforgettable music from Ursine Vulpine and spirited, richly human lensing by Joe Beverley.

Bus Stop is the kind of film that makes you want to sit right back down and watch it again, a perfect weaving together of top notch production values, involving characters beautifully brought to life, and a simple yet memorable story that makes you want just a little more time with these characters.

© Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic