At 1:28 minutes, Mexican independent film “Desierto” can’t be accused of running too long. In fact, the politically charged and divisive story jumps into the action from the start, but also glosses over any level of depth or backstory that could have given reason or rationale to the characters at play. Maybe this was done as an intentional way of presenting a modern day and “believable” horror story, but the viewer will have to be the judge of that.
The movie is reflective of the current times, the most recent presidential election, and echoes of fools chanting ‘build that wall’ cant escape from your mind as you watch. We open with a truckload of Mexican migrants crossing the border in secrecy en route to a seemingly better life in the States.
The truck is full, but we are shown one man in particular, Moises (Gael Garcia Bernal), who will eventually become the stories main protagonist (depending I suppose on which side you look at). Moises is holding a stuffed teddy bear that emits a song and jingle that he always forgets how to shut off – something that will create for a thrilling moment later in the story.
The truck breaks down in the middle of the desert, with the US border being separated by an area referred to as “the badlands.” It’s a record 120 degrees out, though everyone in the story is dressed in dungarees and long sleeves, and the group is forced to take to foot through the deadly mountains in order to reach the States.
We learn that Moises has a son in the US, the reason for the teddy bear, but little else is revealed – his name isn’t offered early or used often – symbolic of how Filmmaker Jonas Cuaron views American’s thoughts on Mexicans. We know he’s to be the de facto leader of the group – an early scene showing him returning to help one of his compatriots who has fallen in the heat demonstrates his leadership skills.
One of my favorite components of “Desierto” is the score – handled perfectly by French musician Yoann Lemoine. It has some bumps, but otherwise is the perfect partner to the action on screen, in particular the suspenseful chase scenes that eventually ensue.
Despite heat, rattlesnakes, and deadly rocks and cliffs, the force of peril comes from a maverick rancher Sam (played flawlessly by Jeffrey Dean Morgan of ‘The Walking Dead’) who rides around the desert in a junky old truck with Confederate Flag flapping in the breeze, drinking from a bottle of Jack Daniels, and accompanied by his Malinois dog, Tracker. A great interaction early between Sam and a border patrol officer show you his anger at society. When he discovers the immigrants jumping the border, he begins picking them off one by one with a sniper rifle, and the gore is on.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan is great as the villainous Sam, a man who seems plagued by deeper issues that are never explored at all. I suppose Jason Voorhees or Freddy Kruger didn’t need reasons to hack hundreds of college kicks to pieces, but even they are provided some degree of explanation for their carnage.
Sam wakes up one day and becomes a mass murderer – and a cold one at that, calmly taking a puff of his cigarette after shooting dozens of people and sneering under his breath “welcome to the land of the free.”
While overly predictable, “Desierto” does offer the viewer some chilling and thrilling parts. The suspense that ensues amidst the rocks and the canyons is great to watch, and while Moises is a typical heroic face that doesn’t do anything to impress, the cold demeanor of Sam is a treat to witness. When he first gets a clue that the immigrants are nearby he calls to his faithful dog Tracker and offers one simple and sinister command; “Find em.”
What I don’t understand is if Jonas Cuaron is trying to make a horror movie, or convey some idealistic message. Mexican workers are good. All Americans are bad.
Or it could just be that its a simple thriller like predator played out with real people. Or even a dark comedy, playing out on over-the-top stereotypes. The gore makes be believe the latter but again, the viewer will have to decide for themselves.
“Desierto” is a fun movie but not something that ends as memorable. If you’re looking for a fast paced thriller, its worth checking out.
by – Matt Christopher
