The Toll (2021)

The Toll is the kind of scrappy, sharply observed black comedy-thriller that sneaks up on you: a tiny corner of Wales, a lonely toll booth, and a simmering sense that trouble is only ever one car-length away. It balances wit with menace in a way that feels both playful and tense, letting you laugh even as the air tightens and the violence threatens to spill over. The movie doesn’t overstay its welcome, moving with a lean, confident pace and a clear affection for its odd little world and the people trapped inside it. If you want a big, glossy crime film, this isn’t that—but if you’re in the mood for something dark, funny, and briskly entertaining, it’s a toll worth paying.

The Toll is clearly aiming for a quirky Welsh crime caper that blends deadpan comedy with a small-scale thriller, and the toll booth setting has the kind of oddball charm that could’ve made it sing. The problem is it rarely commits to any one tone, so the story can feel contrived and unfocused, with character choices and plot turns that don’t land as sharply as they should. Performances and talent pop up here and there, but the writing doesn’t give them enough to work with, and the threat never feels as present or satisfying as the setup promises. If you’re after a tight, escalating thriller or a consistently funny crime comedy, this may feel like a missed opportunity; if you’re happy to coast on atmosphere and offbeat moments, you might get some mild enjoyment.