There’s something inherently creepy about the desert, especially being a solo traveler, and writer-director Shannon Triplett is wise to set her mind-bending road trip film “Desert Road” on an isolated stretch of barren land. By crafting a thriller that serves as a metaphor for a stagnant life path, this is a creative, if slightly frustrating, film.
Clare (Kristine Froseth) has a bit of bad luck when she crashes her car in the middle of nowhere. As she walks down the deserted road for help, something seems out of whack. She eventually discovers that no matter which way she goes, she always ends back at her wrecked car.
Triplett has a good sense of suspense and pacing, and she sets a tone of confusion, resourcefulness, and terror. The story kept me guessing, but it’s best if you don’t think too deeply about the eventual complex explanations that are given (just go with it). Triplett does a lot with an obviously small filmmaking budget, and she deserves kudos for being able to balance that with keeping her story compelling.
“Desert Road” takes a very basic, tried and true metaphor for life, and turns it into a creatively told story. This small film is clever, smart, and really well done.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 