Desert Road

Desert Road will surely invite repeat viewings to discern its hints and untangle its logic. More than that, within its very specific subgenre, this unlikely intersection of Memento and It’s a Wonderful Life just might prove an enduring classic.

There are a lot of things that could have gone wrong, but Triplett directs with confidence, bringing style, intrigue, and character depth to a story that will keep you engaged and holding your breath in suspense for what comes next.

Desert Road almost immediately establishes itself as a potent thriller, but the real fun to be had is watching it evolve from one type of film to another, as mundane threats give way to more mystical hazards.

To the extent that the ending works at all, it’s because of Froseth.

Desert Road is an admirably ambitious movie, but it just never lands and is too sparse and spare to work.