đĒļ Story & Synopsis
Desolation is a chilling tale that unfolds in the serene yet ominous backdrop of a remote wilderness. The story follows a young mother, her son, and her best friend as they embark on a poignant journey to scatter the ashes of the late husband and father. The trio, reminiscent of Laura Linney and Mike from Stranger Things, find themselves being shadowed by a mysterious figure resembling Rob Zombie, turning their solemn trip into a nightmare.
As the narrative progresses, the tension heightens with each eerie encounter, leading to a series of spine-tingling events that force the characters to confront their deepest fears. The film captures the essence of a classic ’70s B-movie vibe, earning praise for its unpretentious approach and suspenseful atmosphere. However, the somber pacing mirrors the arduousness of a long hike in the woods, testing the characters and the audience alike.
Directed by Sam Patton and featuring a talented cast including Toby Nichols, Jaimi Paige, and Alyshia Ochse, Desolation immerses viewers in a world where the tranquility of nature is overshadowed by lurking danger. The film’s evocative setting in the woods sets the stage for a gripping tale of survival and psychological suspense.
Desolation is a riveting exploration of primal instincts and the unrelenting grip of fear, as the characters navigate through a treacherous landscape both externally and internally. With a haunting score by composer Marcus Bagala and atmospheric cinematography by Andi Obarski, the film captures the essence of isolation and vulnerability amidst the unforgiving wilderness.
đ§ Cast & Crew
Jaimi Paige, Alyshia Ochse, Toby Nichols, Claude Duhamel
Movie Casting:
Actor | Role |
---|---|
Jaimi Paige | Abby |
Alyshia Ochse | Jen |
Toby Nichols | Sam |
Claude Duhamel | Hiker |
đŦ Reviews and feedback
Imagine taking a scenic hike in the woods with your family and best friend, only to have your peaceful trip disrupted by a mysterious stalker. That’s the premise of the movie “Desolation,” where a mother, her son, and her best friend set out to scatter ashes but end up facing their worst fears.
Now, let’s dive into this slow-burn horror flick that has received mixed reviews. While some find it decent with good chemistry between the leads, others criticize it for lacking direction and substance. So, what’s the verdict on “Desolation”?
Plot and Themes:
- The movie follows a trio on a hiking trip to scatter ashes but takes a dark turn when they are stalked by a lone hiker.
- The theme of confronting fears and dealing with unexpected dangers in isolation is central to the narrative.
Binge-watching Tip: Keep an eye out for subtle clues early on that hint at the impending danger lurking in the wilderness.
Acting and Characters:
- The cast delivers believable performances, especially in portraying fear and vulnerability in the face of danger.
- The characters’ dynamics add depth to the story, exploring relationships under pressure.
How would you react if you found yourself being followed by a mysterious stranger in an unfamiliar forest?
Direction and Cinematography:
- The director sets an eerie tone with atmospheric shots of the remote wilderness, creating a sense of isolation and dread.
- Cinematography plays a crucial role in building tension and suspense throughout the film.
Have you ever been on a camping trip that took an unexpected turn? Share your experiences below!
Score, Production Design, and Special Effects:
- The score enhances the film’s suspenseful moments, adding to the overall eerie atmosphere.
- The production design effectively captures the desolation of the wilderness setting, immersing viewers in the characters’ plight.
Binge-watching Tip: Pay attention to how sound effects are used to amplify moments of tension and fear in key scenes.
Editing and Pace:
- The editing keeps viewers engaged despite some pacing issues, maintaining intrigue as events unfold.
- Pacing may feel slow at times due to the film’s focus on building tension gradually rather than relying on jump scares.
If you were in a horror movie scenario like “Desolation,” what survival skills would you rely on?
Dialog:
- The dialog serves its purpose in conveying characters’ emotions and motivations effectively.
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“Desolation” may not be groundbreaking or flawless, but it certainly offers thrills for fans of slow-burn horror. With its atmospheric setting and tense moments, it manages to keep audiences on edge despite its shortcomings. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for a night of suspenseful viewing!
Rating: 7/10
In conclusion, “Desolation” may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you enjoy psychological horror mixed with elements of survival thriller, this film could be worth checking out. Just remember to watch your back next time you’re hiking through desolate woods!
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Good chemistry between lead characters | Premise revealed too early |
Atmospheric and spooky scenery | Proceedings feel inconsequential |
Well shot and visually appealing | Slow burn that never quite goes anywhere |
Interesting premise | Use of rape and abortion as emotional elements |
More befuddling than exciting execution |
Feedback
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Desolation (2017) - IMDb
SPONSOREDA mother takes her son and her best friend on a trip into remote wilderness to scatter his father’s ashes; they must confront their fears when a lone hiker begins following them.A mother takes her son and her best friend on a trip into remote wilderness to scatter his father’s ashes; they must confront their fears when a lone hiker begins following them.A mother takes her son and her best friend on a trip into remote wilderness to scatter his father’s ashes; they must confront their fears when a lone hiker begins following them.SPONSOREDSPONSORED
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Desolation (2017 film) - Wikipedia
Desolation(2017 film)
This
article needs a plot summary.(February 2023)
Desolation Directed by Sam Patton Written by Matt Anderson Michael Larson-Kangas
Produced by Mara Barr Lauren BatesKim PattonSam Patton
Starring Jaimi Page Alyshia OcsheToby Nichols
Cinematography Andi Obarski Edited by Alexander Frasse Music by Marcus Bagala Productioncompany
Desolated Productions
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'Desolation' Review: There's A New Killer In The Woods [LAFF] - /Film
‘Desolation’ Review: There’s A New Killer In The Woods [LAFF]
A mysterious man with reflective glasses stalks a trio of isolated campers inDesolation, the feature directorial debut of filmmakerSam Patton. When Abby (Jaimi Paige) loses her husband to sickness, she takes her 13-year-old son Sam (Toby Nichols) and her best friend Jenn (Alyshia Ochse) on a multi-day hiking trip to spread her husband’s ashes at the top of a mountain. But during the trip, the group slowly realizes they’re being followed by a silent man with a beard, hood, and sunglasses. Our protagonists are worried, and it turns out their fears are justified: The Hiker (
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Desolation - Official Trailer | HD | IFC Midnight - YouTube
â ī¸ Explanation (Spoiler)
In “Desolation,” director Sam Patton introduces us to a chilling tale of a trio of campers who find themselves being hunted by a mysterious killer in the woods. The story follows Abby, played by Jaimi Paige, who embarks on a hiking trip with her son Sam, portrayed by Toby Nichols, and her best friend Jenn, played by Alyshia Ochse, to spread her late husband’s ashes at the top of a mountain.
As the group delves deeper into the wilderness, they become aware of a silent and ominous figure following them. This hooded man, known as The Hiker and portrayed by Claude Duhamel, soon reveals himself as a dangerous killer, leaving the campers in a fight for survival.
The strength of the film lies in the well-developed relationships between the main characters. We witness Abby’s struggle with grief, Sam’s internal turmoil, and Jenn’s unwavering support for her friends. These emotional connections make us deeply invested in the characters’ fates, adding layers of tension to the unfolding events.
While The Hiker remains a mysterious and enigmatic antagonist throughout the movie, his lack of a defined backstory or clear motivations adds an element of ambiguity to the narrative. This ambiguity allows viewers to interpret The Hiker as a symbolic figure representing various themes like grief, looming threats, or even societal constructs.
The film’s pacing keeps the audience on edge, building suspense as the characters navigate the treacherous woods while being pursued by The Hiker. The eerie score by Marcus Bagala enhances the atmosphere, heightening the sense of unease and impending danger.
Although The Hiker’s character may come across as somewhat flat and lacking depth, the performances of the cast, particularly Paige and Ochse, shine through with their authentic chemistry and portrayal of enduring friendship. Nichols also delivers a compelling performance as the conflicted and emotional Sam.
Despite some minor flaws in editing and a few continuity errors, “Desolation” delivers a character-driven survival story that keeps viewers engaged till the end. The film’s strategic use of props and the ominous presence of The Hiker create a tense and gripping atmosphere, making it a worthwhile watch for those looking for a psychological thriller set in the unforgiving wilderness.
Overall, “Desolation” offers a fresh take on the survival horror genre, blending elements of suspense, drama, and psychological tension to craft a haunting narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.
đĒ Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-MA
Age Rating:
“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” (2013) has been rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence and frightening images. The movie is suitable for viewers aged 13 and above due to its content.
Parental Guide:
- Sex & Nudity:
- A silly reference where a dwarf asks an elf woman if she wants to search his trousers.
- At around 13-15 minutes into the movie, we see the outline of a human man without clothes. It is dark, so you cannot really see, but the outline of his bare buttocks is visible.
- Violence & Gore:
- In one scene, Tauril is standing next to an elk, which is ripped apart, with much blood on the stones. It is pretty gory but only shown briefly for 2 seconds.
- Contains moderate fantasy violence.
- Battles between Azog’s pursuing troops result in the deaths of dozens of orcs. They are frequently decapitated.
- Profanity:
- Some insults including “coward” and “rabble rousers” are present in the movie.
- Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking:
- No instances of alcohol, drugs, or smoking are depicted in the movie.
- Frightening & Intense Scenes:
- There are a few jumpworthy moments courtesy of the orc characters.
- The movie features extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence and frightening images, which contribute to the PG-13 rating.
đē Streaming and where to watch
streaming service | extra information |
---|---|
The Roku Channel | Currently you are able to watch ‘Desolation’ streaming on The Roku Channel |
VUDU Free | Currently you are able to watch ‘Desolation’ streaming on VUDU Free |
Tubi TV | Currently you are able to watch ‘Desolation’ streaming on Tubi TV for free with ads |
Freevee | Currently you are able to watch ‘Desolation’ streaming on Freevee for free with ads |
Amazon Video | Buy or rent ‘Desolation’ on Amazon Video. It is possible to rent or buy the movie as a download |
Vudu | Buy or rent ‘Desolation’ on Vudu. It is possible to rent or buy the movie as a download |
Apple TV | Buy or rent ‘Desolation’ on Apple TV. It is possible to rent or buy the movie as a download |
Google Play Movies | Buy or rent ‘Desolation’ on Google Play Movies. It is possible to rent or buy the movie as a download |
YouTube | Buy or rent ‘Desolation’ on YouTube. It is possible to rent or buy the movie as a download |
â Quotes and Cult
You have my word, one King to another.
I would not trust Thranduil, the great King, to honor his word should the end of all days be upon us! You, who lack all honor! I have seen how you treat your friends. We came to you once, starving, homeless, seeking your help, but you turned your back.
Thrain is gone, they told me. He is one of the fallen. But at the end of the battle, I searched amongst the slain, down to the last body. My father was not among the dead.
He still lives, I am sure of it.
We've been blind, and in our blindness, our enemy has returned.
Well, thief! Where are you? Come now, don't be shy. Step into the light.
Where does your journey end? You seek that which would bestow upon you the right to rule. A quest to reclaim a homeland, and slay a dragon!
Dragonfire and ruin, that is what you'll bring upon us! He cannot not see beyond his own desire!
The lord of silver fountains, the king of carven stone, King beneath the mountain, shall come into his own! And the bells shall ring in gladness at the mountain king's return but all shall fail in sadness and the lake will shine and burn.
Truly the songs and tales fall utterly short of your enormity, O Smaug, the Stupendous...
đ¤Desolation Reddit Talks
Desolation (2017)
General Consensus:
- Mediocre overall, but exceptional acting by the female leads.
- Not particularly remarkable or awful.
Specific Topics Discussed:
Desolation and Loneliness:
- The film is mentioned as potentially invoking feelings of desolation or loneliness.
Justice and Evil:
- The film is discussed in the context of punishing evil, even if it requires sacrificing one’s own family.
Desolate Landscapes:
- The film is mentioned as featuring a desolate landscape.
Other Related Discussions:
- Movie Recommendations:
- “The Bed Sitting Room” (1969) is suggested as a comedic film that also evokes desolation.
- “Time of the Wolf” (2003) is mentioned as another film dealing with desolation.
- Survival Horror:
- The film is described as a “survival horror-thriller.”
- Fan Theories:
- One viewer speculates that the movie may involve a giant Dave Grohl hunting hikers in the 1970s based on the poster.
- Literary Comparisons:
- The film is compared to “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” suggesting that it may have similar themes or elements.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/horror/comments/8ki59c/desolation_2017/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/MovieSuggestions/comments/akzv7g/looking_for_movies_that_can_invoke_desolation_or/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/afkarena/comments/k4yr2x/so_about_the_desolation_movie/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1844irj/some_feelings_on_movies_with_desolation/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/MovieSuggestions/comments/15gq0y0/what_are_some_of_the_best_movies_featuring_a/
â Frequently Asked Questions
What is the movie Desolation about?
A mother takes her son and her best friend on a trip into remote wilderness to scatter his father’s ashes; they must confront their fears when a lone hiker begins following them.
What happens in Desolation?
In Desolation, a mother takes her son and her best friend on a trip into remote wilderness to scatter his father’s ashes. They must confront their fears when a lone hiker begins following them.
Where was Desolation filmed?
The production of Desolation took place in Gilroy, California, during May 2016. The film’s setting was inspired by a drought in California.
Who are the main cast members of Desolation (2017)?
The main cast members of Desolation (2017) include Toby Nichols as Sam, Jaimi Paige as Abby, Alyshia Ochse as Jen, and Claude Duhamel as the Hiker.
Is Desolation available for streaming online?
Desolation can be streamed on various platforms. You can find it on The Roku Channel, VUDU Free, Tubi TV, Freevee with ads, or purchase it on Amazon Video, Vudu, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube.
What are the reviews saying about Desolation?
Reviews for Desolation describe it as a slow-burn horror flick with decent chemistry between the lead actors. However, some mention that the film lacks a strong direction and the premise may be revealed too early.
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