"Collaborator," a film drama about two very different men and a gun in an intense hostage situation, looks at how one event can completely change the trajectory of a life.

The film starts Thursday night at the Sunrise Theater, in Southern Pines.

Martin Donovan stars as Robert Longfellow, the hostage, and David Morse is Gus Williams, the captor.

"Strong performances carry this film" and "Donovan and Morse are ferociously good," writes Ferran Smith Nehme in the New York Post.

Donovan has been a supporting actor for three decades of television and film, including roles in "Weeds," "CSI" and "The Firm." "Collaborator" is the first film he has written and directed.

Robert Longfellow is a once successful playwright who is devastated by the disastrous reviews and early closing of his latest work. He flees to his mother's home in suburban Los Angeles, leaving his wife and children in New York.

Across the street is Gus, an unemployed and troubled childhood acquaintance, who still lives with his mother and has spent time in prison.

One night, Gus shows up with beer and pot, and Robert invites him in. When the police surround Robert's mother's house, Gus pulls a gun and takes Robert hostage. Gus has injured a man during a robbery and the police have come for him.

As tension builds both inside and outside, Robert tries to diffuse the situation by connecting with Gus on a personal level. This sends a complicated situation in an unexpected direction.

"Collaborator" plays from Thursday, Aug. 16, through Monday, Aug. 20, at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, at 2:30 p.m. (Note that there will not be a showing on Saturday, Aug. 19, due to the final show in the Moore Puns Comedy Series, with professional comedian Rick Roberts.) The film is not rated and runs 87 minutes.

The historic, nonprofit Sunrise Theater is located in downtown Southern Pines at 250 NW Broad St. Tickets are $7.

Refreshments available include fresh popcorn with real butter, soft drinks, beer and wine.

Visit www.sunrise theater.com or call (910) 692-3611 for more information about the theater and a complete calendar of events.