Desierto (2015)

Desierto Poster

A group of Mexican emigrants attempts to cross the Mexican-US border. What begins as a hopeful journey becomes a harrowing, bloody and primal fight for survival when a deranged, rifle-toting vigilante and his loyal Belgian Malinois dog chase the group of unarmed men and women through the treacherous borderland. In the harsh, unforgiving desert terrain, the odds are stacked firmly against them as they discover there’s nowhere to hide from the unrelenting, merciless killer.

Film Overview
"Desierto" is a 2015 Mexican-French thriller directed by Jonás Cuarón. Alfonso Cuarón, daddy of the director, likewise served as the manufacturer. The film stars Gael García Bernal and Jeffrey Dean Morgan and explores the traumatic journey of a group of immigrants attempting to cross the Mexico-United States border, just to come across a relentless shooter figured out to kill them.

Plot Summary
The movie starts with a group of Mexicans trying to cross into the United States via a truck, which breaks down, forcing them to advance foot. The group consists of a mix of characters, the most popular being Moises (Gael García Bernal), who is striving to reunite with his son in Oakland. Others range from those hoping for a possibility at the American Dream to those fleeing violence or poverty in their home towns.

While treking through the hostile desert surface, they come across Sam (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), a psychopathic vigilante sniper who views these immigrants as an intrusion. The personification of xenophobia, Sam, accompanied by his tracking pet dog, begins searching the group. The rather dubious justification for his behaviour is the American flag on his radio antenna, symbolizing his deformed interpretation of patriotism.

Afraid and desperate, the group scatters in panic, leaving them divided and a simpler target for the callous sniper. The narrative then becomes an extreme, scary chase, with Sam systematically slaying the border crossers one by one up until only Moises and another female buddy, Adela, remain.

Characters and Performances
Gael García Bernal, as Moises, depicts the desperation and struggle of immigrants phenomenally. Moises is a heartfelt, gripping character, and his desperate race for survival against misfortune produces some exceptionally tense drama. Jeffrey Dean Morgan's efficiency as Sam is cooling and horrifying, efficiently making audiences dislike his character. Adela adds a layer of fear, decision, and mankind, played remarkably by Alondra Hidalgo.

Styles and Reception
"Desierto" is a raw, brutal commentary on immigration issues and bigotry, effortlessly converging thrill and social commentary. The plain contrast in between the unforgiving, bleak desert and the blood-soaked violence unfolds an unrelenting show of survival and mankind.

Jonás Cuarón's careful instructions catches the desperate violence and chilling suspense versus the extensive, unforgiving backdrop of the desert. However, the film does not dive deep into the characters' backgrounds or motivations, focusing more on their present requirement to survive.

While "Desierto" got blended reviews, critics praised the gripping efficiencies and the intense narrative. The movie became Mexico's main entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards. Its unflinching view of the scaries immigrants experience in pursuit of a much better life resonated with lots of. The callous violence and thriller, integrated with the relevant social style makes "Desierto" an impactful, if unpleasant, viewing experience.

Top Cast

  • Gael García Bernal (small)
    Gael García Bernal
    Moises
  • Jeffrey Dean Morgan (small)
    Jeffrey Dean Morgan
    Sam
  • Diego Cataño (small)
    Diego Cataño
    Mechas
  • Marco Pérez (small)
    Marco Pérez
    Lobo
  • Alondra Hidalgo (small)
    Alondra Hidalgo
    Adela
  • Oscar Flores
    Ramiro
  • David Lorenzo
    Ulysse
  • Lew Temple (small)
    Lew Temple
    Border Patrol
  • Butch McCain
    Un animateur radio
  • Claudia Angélica Amador Castellanos
    Migrant
  • Dolores Micaela Guzmán Méndez
    Migrant