THE LAST STOP IN YUMA COUNTY
When a ragtag group of folks get stranded at a diner waiting for the gas truck to show, a pair of bank robbers complicate things for all involved. Francis Galluppi‘s heart-stopping THE LAST STOP IN YUMA COUNTY is one of the year’s most epic rides.
Jim Cummings proves once again that his high-strung straight guy routine is gold. His eye for unique projects as an executive producer remains top-notch. His entire look, down to his Archie comic red hair, is perfection for The Knife Salesman. (Yes, that is his actual character’s title).
Jocelin Donahue brings authenticity to small-town waitress Charlotte. She is so watchable. Sierra McCormick (We Need To Do Something) is a delight as aspiring bank robber Sybil. She’s another bright spot in this wild ensemble cast.
I can’t forget horror icon Barbara Crampton as the Sheriff’s secretary Virginia. She elevates every film with her unmatched screen presence. Connor Paolo uses his youthful energy to tap into newbie deputy Gavin’s well-meaning bumbling. He continues to surprise in his indie cred.
Faizon Love that star quality. He brings a fully fleshed-out essence to gas station and motel operator Vernon. I request a spinoff feature of Vernon’s life. I bet filmmaker Francis Galluppi could make that happen in a heartbeat.
Richard Brake is so good at being bad. Every villain he portrays is on another level, and Beau is no exception. Brake is effortlessly terrifying and commanding. Nicolas Logan owns each moment of screen time as Travis, hot-headed know-it-all sidekick to Brake’s Beau. The pair have fantastic chemistry.
Mac Fisken’s cinematography is outstanding. Galluppi’s script is wildly entertaining from the first shot to the last. I watch very few films as a critic without pause or notetaking. THE LAST STOP IN YUMA COUNTY easily takes that prize home. It is tremendous, risk-taking storytelling. Bravo.
THE LAST STOP IN YUMA COUNTY
IN THEATERS: May 10, 2024
ON DIGITAL: May 10, 2024
The film is currently 100% on Rotten Tomatoes
DIGITAL PRE-ORDER LINK:
https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the-last-stop-in-yuma-county/umc.cmc.3azd4vge5rrvoy9bxi3cez22p
Well Go USA will release the western, crime, thriller film THE LAST STOP IN YUMA COUNTY in Theaters and On Digital May 10, 2024. The debut feature from writer-director Francis Galluppi had its World Premiere Fantastic Fest before heading to Sitges where it won the best film prize in the Orbita section.
THE LAST STOP IN YUMA COUNTY stars an ensemble cast of Jim Cummings (The Wolf of Snow Hollow), Jocelin Donahue (The House of the Devil), Sierra McCormick (The Vast of Night), Nicholas Logan (I Care a Lot), Michael Abbott Jr. (Killers of the Flower Moon), Connor Paolo (A Creature Was Stirring), Alexandra Essoe (“The Haunting of Bly Manor”), Robin Bartlett (The Fabelmans), Jon Proudstar (Reservation Dogs), Sam Huntington(“Being Human”), Ryan Masson (“Good Girls”), and Barbara Crampton(Suitable Flesh, Re-Animator), with Gene Jones (Killers of the Flower Moon), Faizon Love (Elf) and Richard Brake (Barbarian).
SYNOPSIS: While awaiting the next fuel truck at a middle-of-nowhere Arizona rest stop, a traveling young knife salesman is thrust into a high-stakes hostage situation by the arrival of two similarly stranded bank robbers with no qualms about using cruelty—or cold, hard steel—to protect their bloodstained, ill-begotten fortune.
DISTRIBUTOR: Well Go USA
Alone in a cruel near-future world, 13-year-old Vesper experiments with what’s left of her surroundings to nourish her and her paralyzed father. Abandoned by her mother, Vesper keeps Darius’ body alive with her bio-hacking skills and uploads his full consciousness into a small droid. While she and others suffer immensely, the wealthy exist in private, enclosed spaces called “Citadels.” They produce seeds that the remaining poor vie for to survive in the harsh environment. After someone sabotages their generator, she reaches out to her Uncle, the leader of a group that cultivates children’s blood for seed trade. When Vesper discovers a young woman from the nearby Citadel passed out in the woods, she imagines a way out. VESPER is a gorgeous film about control and climate change wrapped in a glorious sci-fi narrative. 
Rosy McEwan plays Camellia with a complex mix of yearning and practicality. She is a slick foil for Vesper. McEwan’s grace and control are all the more stunning when given the opportunity to break. Our titular role comes to life with the sensational performance of Raffiella Chapman. Her raw vulnerability jumps off the screen. There is no denying she is a star. Her ability to carry this film from beginning to end is a wonder. 
Melora Walters as Ava is powerful in her manic behavior. She’s such a presence in any role. This casting was perfect. Richard Brake is brilliant. He’s so nonchalantly terrifying you’re just mesmerized by his performance. Jeremy Gardner is one of the best parts of this film. He’s a savior figure cloaked in mystery. His delivery of dialogue drives the greater mystery forward. He is an integral piece to this gothic puzzle. Jocelin Donahue has anxiety written all over her face. She has this throwback horror look from the hair, to the wardrobe, giving the entire film a timeless feel.
Mac Fisken‘s cinematography is amazing. The long lingering shots, the close-ups, and the static camera work are stunning. Watching the actors run into view and away again is such an effective stylistic choice. Writer-director Mickey Keating‘s creation lives and breathes in the audience’s ability to take the ride. I actually went back and watched the beginning again and there is one very Ari Aster moment. Keating smartly gives you a visual reference but it’s tricky to decipher right off the bat. OffSeason is worth multiple viewings. Make sure to have your volume turned up when you do.
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