The latest film taking us to Yuma County, currently available on Paramount+, features a unique setting: a gas station that’s out of gas, an empty motel, and an air-conditioned diner overflowing with pie. It’s the backdrop for Francis Garuppi’s directorial debut, a tightly crafted thriller that has him working with a modest budget of a million dollars and showcasing an array of intriguing characters. Notably, his work with projects like *Beta Test* and *Snow Hollow Wolf* has already made waves, earning him a nod from the likes of Sam Raimi, known for *Evil Dead*. The film manages to deliver suspense quite effectively.
Key Points: An eye-catching sign outside the diner asserts, “You’ll die for our rhubarb pie,” which feels menacing, although the real danger is perhaps more elusive. A driver in a yellow Pinto pulls up to the pump, only to discover from the diner’s kind owner, Vernon (Faison Love), that there’s no gas available. The nearest station is a hundred miles away, and the only option is to wait at the diner for the gas truck. Tks, the anxious traveler, isn’t thrilled. As the local sheriff (Michael Abbott Jr.) arrives to drop off his wife, Charlotte (Joselyn Donahue), he opens the restaurant. Meanwhile, TKS fiddles with the radio and pulls out a knife case.
Shortly after, two intriguing characters, View (Richard Brake) and Travis (Nicolas Logan), roll in needing gas—of course, they find none. Their arrival brings a tangible tension as they reveal they’re carrying around $700,000, and suddenly everything escalates. Guns are brandished, Charlotte is threatened by Bo, and amidst the chaos, TK is just trying to stay calm. The tension mounts as they’re instructed to remain still while waiting for the gas truck. Charlotte, trying to maintain her composure, pours coffee for those present who, interestingly, don’t seem interested in pie. To top it off, they’re effectively trapped with no air conditioning, making the whole scene feel even more stifling.
This film, humorously sidelined with a title too revealing, serves as a rest stop for anyone stranded with an empty gas tank. The diner serves as a melting pot for quirky interactions, featuring older couples like Robert (Jean Jones) and Earlein (Robin Bartlett), along with a younger couple who exude some serious Bonnie and Clyde vibes. There’s even a local named Pete (John Proudstar) who makes small talk over breakfast. If you anticipate that the jukebox might liven up the atmosphere, prepare for disappointment; the tension here is only set to increase, and, dare I say, it delights in doing so.
What movies does that remind you of? This film resonates with *Hell or High Water;* if the Coen Brothers directed it, you might think along the lines of *Blood Simple* or perhaps *No Country for Old Men,* layered with some dialogue reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino.
Performance worth watching: Cummings gives a fervent performance in this tense scenario that feels visceral.
Memorable conversation: There’s a quirky exchange that nods to classic cinema with characters playfully debating their double act:
Sybil: We’re like Bonnie and Clyde.
Mile: No, like Kit and Holly.
Sybil: Who’s that?
Miles: *Badlands*, baby.
Sex and Skin: None to speak of.
Our Take: Casual banter might seem unbearable but becomes even more weighted when set against a backdrop of tension. Garuppi deftly builds suspense, culminating in an impactful climax that keeps the audience guessing about morality and choices. The dark humor juxtaposed with an underlying dread makes for a riveting experience, almost comical in its absurdity.
Focused on striking visuals, engaging characters, and a touch of the macabre, *Yuma County* plays out like a darkly humorous take on real-life situations. Is there a deeper theme? Honestly, it’s hard to say. As for the characters—Vernon’s unique breakfast habits, Brake’s performance full of tension, and Cummings’ portrayal, which feels erratic yet fitting—these all represent the unsettling reflections of life, humor, and the unexpected.
Our Call: Films that blend tension, charm, and humor are rare gems. Definitely worth a stream.
