'A Desert' Review: A Tension Filled Horror That Will Shock and Surprise You
- Romey Norton
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
By Romey Norton - April 9, 2025
Neo-noir meets existential horror in A Desert, the striking feature debut from director Joshua Erkman. Set against the vast, unforgiving landscapes of the American Southwest, this sun-bleached fever dream takes audiences on a journey through artistic desperation, the decay of the American dream, and the dark underbelly lurking just beneath the surface of everyday life.
At the center of the story is a past-his-prime photographer whose road trip to reignite his creative spark takes a harrowing detour into chaos. What begins as a quiet exploration of lost artistic ambition soon morphs into something far more sinister as he, his wife, and a dubious private investigator are pulled into a world of danger, deception, and existential dread.
There’s intrigue and intensity from the opening scenes as our protagonist is alone in a dimly lit cinema, working with film. Throughout the film there’s an oppressive atmosphere of endless highways and eerie, desolate motels that can feel like portals to some deeper nightmare. The film’s colour palette is drenched in the golden hues of dusk, and calming blues, which create some beautiful shots. The film is an artistic masterpiece.
Now while the story-telling is slower than what most audiences are used to in these fast-action modern times, please stick with it as there are some dark twists and violent turns I didn’t see coming. Kai Lennox gives a compelling performance - he has a flair that captivates you as a viewer - I couldn’t keep my eyes off him. He delivers a haunted portrayal of a man unravelling in real time. Lennox and Zachary Ray Sherman have great chemistry in their scenes together, which are creepy and unnerving. David Yow as the shady detective adds a layer of unpredictability, while Sarah Lind brings an emotional depth that helps ground the story. All together the cast give excellent performances and are completely committed to telling this story.
A Desert does well in blending melancholic America with bursts of violent, unpredictable horror. As our protagonist spirals deeper into the chaos of this shadow world, the film interrogates the cultural void he finds himself in: What happens when art loses its meaning? When images no longer capture truth, but only an illusion of it? These questions linger as the story progresses, becoming more and more unsettling.
One of the film’s standout elements is its hypnotic score by Ty Segall, whose new album, Possession, releases May 30th. Segall’s soundscape amplifies the film’s dreamlike quality, with an eerie mix of psych-rock and dissonant noise that keeps the audience teetering between unease and fascination.
While A Desert may not be for everyone, as its deliberately slow pace and abstract narrative require patience, it rewards those willing to surrender to it. It’s a film where you can kick back, relax and completely succumb to the story.
If you’re looking for a film that challenges as much as it unsettles, A Desert is a must-watch. Don’t miss its theatrical and VOD release, and for more deep dives into Dark Sky Films’ latest offerings, check out Film Focus Online for the latest reviews and insights into the most daring voices in modern horror.
A Desert releases in cinemas May 2
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