The 8:47 Train: A Headache of a Commute

Is it worth your time?

Honestly, only if you have a soft spot for vintage slapstick that doesn't care about making sense. If you need a tight script or, like, a coherent plot, you’re going to be annoyed within ten minutes. 🚂

It’s loud. It’s frantic. It’s basically just people running around in circles. If you like the kind of energy you find in Go Get 'Em Hutch, you’ll probably find this mildly amusing. If you prefer quiet, thoughtful character studies, stay far away.

The vibe

The whole thing feels like it was filmed in a bit of a rush. There are moments where the actors seem to be improvising their frustration, which is actually kind of charming. It doesn't have the polish of, say, Thirteen Women, but that’s fine.

The pacing is all over the place. One minute everyone is screaming, the next we’re staring at a platform for way too long. It’s weirdly hypnotic.

Small observations from the platform:

• The way the actors trip over their own feet looks dangerously real.
• There’s a background extra who spends about three scenes just staring at a clock. Is he a genius? Is he bored? I couldn't tell.
• The sound design is just… a lot. My ears were tired by the end.
• Esperanza Rivera really carries the whole thing on her shoulders, even when the script gives her absolutely nothing to work with.

It’s not trying to be a masterpiece. It’s just trying to fill an hour with people being stressed about a train. Sometimes that’s enough. Other times, you just want to reach into the screen and help them find a seat. It’s messy. But it’s got a weird heart to it.

Don’t go looking for deep meanings here. Just watch the train leave without them and enjoy the panic. It’s not going to change your life, but it might make you feel better about your own bad mornings. ☕