Rest Stop. 2019
In the summer of 1975, mild-mannered college professor John Dykstra leaves a writers' meeting in high spirits, only to find his journey home derailed by a shocking act of violence at a deserted rest stop.
Director: Cameron Schwartz
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rest Stop. (2019) about?
A timid college professor named John Dykstra stumbles upon a violent assault during a late-night rest stop in 1975. Thrust into danger, he awakens a hidden persona from his own crime novels—the relentless hitman Rick Hardin—and must decide whether to step into the role he's always written about.
Who directed Rest Stop.?
Cameron Schwartz directed this intense character-driven thriller, bringing a sharp eye for tension and atmosphere to the short film format.
Who stars in Rest Stop.?
The film features Randy Havens in a standout dual role, supported by Steve Coulter, Jayson Warner Smith, Justin Miles, and Jonathon Pawlowski.
Is Rest Stop. (2019) worth watching?
While unrated, *Rest Stop.* delivers a powerful punch in under half an hour, blending sharp drama with thriller elements. Its themes of identity and moral awakening resonate, especially for fans of psychological tension and character studies. It may not appeal to casual viewers, but it's a rewarding watch for those seeking depth and intensity.
How long is Rest Stop.?
Rest Stop. runs for 25 minutes.
About Rest Stop. (2019) — A 1970s thriller where a professor becomes a hero at a highway rest stop
In the summer of 1975, mild-mannered college professor John Dykstra leaves a writers' meeting in high spirits, only to find his journey home derailed by a shocking act of violence at a deserted rest stop. What begins as a fleeting detour unravels into a brutal confrontation that forces him to confront the gap between his public persona and the untapped resilience within. When threatened by a domestic assault unfolding before him, Dykstra's dormant alter ego—Rick Hardin, the ruthless hitman from his own novels—emerges as a desperate last stand. Directed by Cameron Schwartz, this tense character study blends psychological depth with visceral stakes, exploring cowardice, courage, and the transformative power of crisis. Shot in a gritty, atmospheric style reminiscent of early neo-noir, *Rest Stop. (2019)* delivers a compact yet gripping meditation on identity and moral choices under pressure.
With a runtime of just 25 minutes, Schwartz crafts a taut thriller that packs intense emotional and thematic weight. The story hinges on a gripping performance from Randy Havens, whose portrayal of Dykstra's internal fracture is both unsettling and compelling. Set against the isolating backdrop of a 1970s interstate rest stop, the film transforms an everyday location into a stage for moral reckoning, making it a standout in the drama-thriller genre. Ideal for fans of tightly wound character arcs and morally ambiguous tension, this short film leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll.