Night Train (2023), directed by Shane Stanley, is a low-budget action thriller that attempts to blend high-speed tension with emotional undertones. Starring Danielle C. Ryan as Holly McCord, a single mother who turns to smuggling black-market medicine in a modified truck nicknamed “Night Train” to afford the life-saving treatment her son needs..

The film follows a familiar “desperate parent” narrative, with Holly navigating a dangerous world of criminals and federal agents, including one portrayed by Diora Baird. At its core, the story revolves around a mother’s willingness to sacrifice everything for her child, which adds emotional weight to the film—though it is often undercut by a weak script and predictable plot twists.

Danielle C. Ryan delivers a committed performance, anchoring the film with sincerity even when the material doesn’t fully match her intensity. While action scenes are present, they are constrained by the budget and often lack dynamism. The dialogue can feel forced, and certain scenes fall short of the cinematic impact expected from a gripping thriller.

Despite its flaws, Night Train has moments of charm. Its emotional core is commendable, and the message about how far a parent will go for their child is genuinely moving. However, uneven pacing, uninspired cinematography, and underdeveloped characters prevent the film from reaching its full potential.

It’s a film with good intentions and a solid premise, but ultimately struggles to stand out in an already saturated genre.