96 Minutes 2012

In this intense narrative of twisted fates, four main characters become ensnared in a complicated web of emotions and betrayal that culminates in tragedy. The story unfolds over the course of a single night, beginning with Lena (Brittany Snow) waking up next to her boyfriend. Their morning conversation reveals deeply rooted trust issues that will soon face harsh tests.

As the day progresses, Dre receives a pivotal test result from his teacher, marking a significant moment in his journey toward graduation. Simultaneously, Kevin — a troubled 16-year-old shaped by a history of abuse and anger — approaches JJ, a gang leader in the community. Kevin’s request for acceptance is quickly denied unless he agrees to steal his father’s car.

The tale then shifts to Karley, who engages in an emotionally charged phone call with her father, pleading for his presence at her graduation. Regrettably, his obligation to attend a meeting in Tokyo renders it impossible, leaving Karley heartbroken.

Lena’s world takes a drastic turn when she spots her boyfriend with another woman, prompting her to flee in distress. Her friend rushes to provide comfort, and together they plan a rejuvenating night out with friends. However, as dawn breaks, Kevin and Dre find themselves in a harrowing situation with Karley and Lena, the latter sustaining a serious injury and bleeding heavily. Karley’s desperate pleas for help for Lena clash with Kevin’s apathetic demeanor, intensifying the tension between the group.

As emotions heighten, Karley uses Lena’s blood to scribble a desperate message for help on a car window, only to be met with Kevin’s harsh reprimand. A stop at a gas station ensues, where Dre seeks food while Kevin’s temper flares over a shopkeeper’s comment, leading him to unleash his fury in a fatal outburst.

The narrative then rewinds, peeling back layers to reveal the backstory of Kevin’s morally bankrupt decisions. Together with Dre, they spot Karley and Lena chatting in an isolated alley next to Karley’s car. Fueled by a relentless desire to gain JJ’s approval, Kevin devises a plan to steal the car, believing it will secure his place within the gang. He launches a sudden assault on the girls, and when Lena defends herself, he retaliates with deadly force, leaving her injured. Soon after, Kevin and Dre commandeer the vehicle, diminishing Karley and Lena into mere captives.

In the narrative’s present, Dre halts the car in a dark tunnel, contemplating the grim option of ending both girls’ lives but ultimately refrains. Karley seizes a fleeting chance to escape but suffers a grave injury as Kevin fires upon her. The two gang members drive away, forsaking their wounded captives.

Despite her injuries, Karley miraculously makes her way to the main road, where she is discovered by her intended savior, Dre’s uncle, leading to her hospitalization. In the midst of this chaos, nearly 96 minutes have passed since Karley and Lena separated at a restaurant, and tragically, Lena succumbs to her injuries, left alone in the unforgiving tunnel.

Days later, Dre finds himself incarcerated, and the aftermath of Kevin’s choices descends into a spiral of self-destruction, culminating in his tragic suicide. A haunting visit occurs when Karley confronts Dre in prison, leading her to a painful realization: the scars of betrayal run too deep for reconciliation with her former captor.