One for the Road is an effective, atmospheric short that I enjoyed immensely. Based on a short story by Stephen King, the film has all of the hallmarks of King’s work. The setting is a remote, roadside diner at around 3 am. Truckers Booth (Alexander Flores) and Tookie (Travis Hammer) are chatting up Kate (Katie Adler) when a peculiar Stranger (Richard Clarke-Larsen) stumbles in and takes a seat at the bar. The stranger is muttering something under his breath, ignoring Kate when she attempts to take his order.

The creep factor is rising exponentially and Kate isn’t comfortable with the smelly weirdo at her counter. With the diner manager refusing to step in, Booth insists they step in to help. The stranger mutters “Old Mill Road” repeatedly while staring off into the distance. The two chivalrous truckers approach the man and offer assistance. Soon enough the man is waiting outside by their truck.

A normal setting that is slightly off is one of King’s trademarks and here this humble little diner becomes the genesis for a creepy ride into the night. Corey Slater crafts a screenplay that offers just enough information without trying to over-explain. Meanwhile, Daniel Carsenty’s crisp direction really capture that eerie tone that permeates King’s work.

One for the Road is a great showcase for the talent of all involved. Along with the fine craftsmanship mentioned before, the practical effects are great, and wonderfully effective. I look forward to seeing more from this creative team. They create a brilliant vignette in minutes with a relatively simple story from a horror master by leaning into its tone and brevity. This is a delicious shot of brooding horror. Catch it if you can.