Hours (2013 film)

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Hours (2013 film) is a American thriller film directed and written by Eric Heisserer. The film stars Paul Walker in one of his final film roles before his death in November 2013. Set in New Orleans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Hours follows the story of a father who struggles to keep his infant daughter alive in a hospital with no power during the disaster.

Plot

The film opens with Nolan Hayes (played by Paul Walker) rushing his pregnant wife, Abigail (played by Genesis Rodriguez), to the hospital as Hurricane Katrina approaches. Abigail dies in childbirth, leaving Nolan with their newborn daughter, who must remain in a neonatal incubator to survive. However, the hurricane causes widespread flooding and power outages, forcing the evacuation of the hospital. Nolan finds himself alone, with no power to the incubator, and must keep his daughter alive by manually cranking a generator every few minutes. As hours turn into days, Nolan faces various challenges while waiting for rescue, reflecting on his life and the loss of his wife.

Cast

• Paul Walker as Nolan Hayes
• Genesis Rodriguez as Abigail Hayes
• Nick Gomez as Jerry
• Judd Lormand as Glenn
• Michelle Torres as Sandra

Production

Hours was both written and directed by Eric Heisserer, known for his work on other thriller and horror films. The film was shot on location in New Orleans, capturing the real-life devastation left by Hurricane Katrina. The production aimed to create a tense atmosphere, focusing on the emotional and physical struggle of the protagonist.

Release

The film premiered at the SXSW Film Festival in March 2013 and was later released in theaters and on video-on-demand platforms in December 2013. Despite its limited release, Hours received positive reviews for Paul Walker's performance and the film's suspenseful atmosphere.

Reception

Critics praised Hours for its gripping storyline and Paul Walker's portrayal of a desperate father. The film's depiction of Hurricane Katrina's aftermath and its impact on individuals and families also received attention. However, some critics found the film's pacing uneven and its plot somewhat predictable.

Legacy

Hours is remembered as one of Paul Walker's final film roles before his untimely death in a car accident in November 2013. The film stands as a testament to Walker's acting range, showcasing his ability to carry a film almost single-handedly. Hours has since gained a following for its emotional depth and portrayal of a real-life disaster.