Yuma County: A Unique Thriller
The latest setting for a suspenseful story is Yuma County, featuring a gas-free gas station, an unoccupied motel, and an air-conditioned diner with plenty of pie. This backdrop serves as the canvas for Francis Garuppi’s directorial debut, marking a million-dollar investment into a tight thriller filled with a handful of peculiar characters. Having previously worked on films such as Beta Test and Snow Hollow Wolf, Garuppi’s ventures have garnered attention, enough to secure a future project with Sam Raimi.
Key Points: “You’ll die for our rhubarb pie.” This ominous message hangs outside the diner, hinting something sinister might unfold. One man pulls up in a yellow car, only to discover from the diner’s owner, Vernon, that there’s no gas available. The next station is a hundred miles away. Everyone is left with the option to wait for the fuel truck. Then, the local sheriff drops off his wife, Charlotte, and opens the establishment. Meanwhile, the protagonist fiddles with the radio, trying to pass the time.
Next, a green Ford Pinto arrives, and much to their frustration, it’s also out of gas. In the middle of all this, two characters, View and Travis, roll in with a suspicious air, hinting at a stash of $700,000. Tension rises quickly as they pull out their weapons, cutting the phone lines and taking Charlotte hostage, while others are left to nervously hold on. They insist no one will get harmed while they wait for the gas truck. It’s a waiting game, and Charlotte tries to keep calm, pouring coffee despite the growing anxiety.
This location symbolizes a dead end for anyone with an empty gas tank nearby, packed with odd characters—elderly couples, a young couple, and a local ordering breakfast. You might think music from the jukebox could lighten the mood, but that only sets the stage for escalating tension.
What Movies Does This Remind You Of? Yuma County evokes comparisons to Hell or High Water, with visuals reminiscent of Coen Brothers classics like Blood Simple or No Country for Old Men, filled with Tarantino-esque dialogue.
Performance Worth Watching: Cummings delivers a performance that’s hard to forget; his desperation is palpable.
Memorable Conversation: There’s a playful exchange reminiscent of classic film duos. For instance:
Sybil: We’re like Bonnie and Clyde.
Mile: No, like Kit and Holly.
Sybil: Who’s that?
Mile: Badlands, baby.
Sex and Skin: It’s minimal in this film.
Our Take: Small talk can often feel unbearable, especially when it’s tainted with the irony of one’s circumstances. Garuppi expertly builds the tension, placing his characters at a critical turning point before the film pushes the boundaries of morality and sanity. The narrative is dark, yet somehow encourages laughter in unexpected moments, showcasing the film’s charm despite its serious undertones.
Visually striking with a cast of quirky characters, Yuma County definitely falls into the realm of b-movies. Is it trying to say something deeper? Maybe. Do you want to discuss how it all ends? Probably not. There are commendable moments—Vernon eating toast off a fork, memorable performances, and relatable characters showcasing life’s unsettling realities.
Our Call: Films like this—a mix of tension, humor, and thriller elements—aren’t common. Definitely worth a stream.
