Death In The Desert (2016) | Film Review

Most people would probably agree that I rarely give scathing reviews of any type of media.  I follow closely to the mantra of “it’s not for me” instead of calling someone’s artistic attempt “bad”. I still won’t go as far as to call director Josh Evans’ ‘Death in the Desert’ a bad film, but I will definitely say that it was my biggest waste of time so far this year. I know what you’re thinking: it’s only February. And you’re absolutely right, but if I see anything else as disappointing during the remainder of 2016, I will be shocked.

To be perfectly direct, barely anything happens in this movie’s plot.  Kim (Shayla Beesley) is a stripper in Vegas who is “acquired” by Ray (Michael Madsen), a much older, yet wealthy casino owner; but Kim falls for Ray’s hired hand.  And that’s it.  Sure, this film boasts a “finale that’ll shock like the largest of losses”, but not even a twist ending can save this film from pure boredom.  Anything remotely interesting lasts for a few short seconds, and then the rest of the screen time is instead spent discussing those moments.

I think what bothered me most of all, however, is how it made me feel about the world in which I live.  None of the characters are remotely likeable.  This isn’t usually a problem for me, as other films that reflect society are still able to be entertaining.  ‘Death in the Desert’ relies on its need to constantly remind me just how horrible people can be.  Ray treats Kim like property and constantly abuses her.  Kim pretends she loves Ray, but it feels obvious that she wouldn’t have any interest in him without his wealth. I get it. People suck. But if you’re going to make a movie about that fact, at least make it interesting. Perhaps the film is held back by its being based on a real story. It begs for something, anything else to happen to keep me from reaching for my phone while viewing.

Michael Madsen is the only thing that keeps this movie from being a complete waste of time, although that might be attributed to the simple fact that he’s Michael Madsen. He doesn’t stray far from what I would consider his typical roles, but those roles have been enjoyable.  Sadly, a familiar face won’t save a snooze fest like this one.  Shayla Beesley as Kim feels almost as flat as the film’s plot. She reminds me of a slightly more interesting (yet far more attractive) Shelley Duvall straight out of ‘The Shining’.  Not only is her character just as frustrating, but she feels just as out of place next to an accomplished actor.

If this goal of ‘Death in the Desert’ was to make me feel gross, it succeeded admirably.  It feels grimy from its opening shot till its conclusion. Where other films set in Vegas often make the city seem glamorous, this one feels like it’s showing the true colors of what lies beyond the strip.  I understand that not all movies are meant to make you feel good or have a happy ending, but I still need something engaging to keep my attention. Slimy characters in a filthy backdrop aren’t enough to make an entertaining movie.

It goes without saying anymore that I was severely disappointed in this film.  Despite its relatively short run time, I found myself checking multiple times to see how much was left because I wanted it to be over.  The only people to whom I could recommend this movie are hardcore Michael Madsen fans, but even they should have a pot of coffee handy and plan on showering afterwards.

Scott Clark
The Hollywood Outsider