A Desert
May 2, 2025· 1h 43m
Directed by
Cinemagraphs Score5.4
A photographer’s road trip takes a dark turn when he befriends a reckless couple, plunging him into a nightmarish neo-noir spiral of unpredictable horror.
Critics Sentiment
Critics5.4
No audience data yet —
1 — Hated it5 — Neutral10 — Masterpiece
Critics
|8+ Great
6-8 Good
<6 Poor
16 reviews·Last updated 1mo ago
Peak Moment
Photographer Alex Clark shoots abandoned cinema in Yucca Valley
7.5at 4m
Lowest Moment
Wild porno film sequence with sexual violence
3.5at 1h 14m
Biggest Swing
The film crashes from a promising slow burn (6.0) to bizarre abstraction (4.0) as the story veers off the rails in the third act
A Desert starts strong with praised cinematography and atmospheric tension but gradually loses audience goodwill due to extremely slow pacing. The film's descent into bizarre territory and nihilistic violence alienates viewers, culminating in a depressing ending that leaves many regretting the experience despite strong performances.
16 reviews analyzed|Sources: Guardian, Imdb
Crew
CinematographyJay Keitel
MusicTy Segall
EditorStar Rosencrans
WriterJoshua Erkman, Bossi Baker
ProducerHugues Barbier, Joshua Erkman
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15.510
Rate each story beat:
Photographer Alex Clark shoots abandoned cinema in Yucca Valley⬆ Peak moment
5.0Hated itNeutralLoved it
Alex photographs deserted military barracks with analog equipment
5.0Hated itNeutralLoved it
Alex meets Charlie Manson type Renny and girlfriend Susie
5.0Hated itNeutralLoved it
Extended character interactions with minimal plot advancement
5.0Hated itNeutralLoved it
Harold begins investigating Alex's disappearance in desert
5.0Hated itNeutralLoved it
Wild porno film sequence with sexual violence⬇ Lowest moment
5.0Hated itNeutralLoved it
Serious violence unfolds between characters in desert
5.0Hated itNeutralLoved it
Film ends with hopeless and depressing resolution
5.0Hated itNeutralLoved it
