Bottom of the World

Bottom of the World is a psychological thriller that takes place in the desert of New Mexico. The movie was released in 2017 and directed by Richard Sears. Jena Malone, Douglas Smith, and Ted Levine take the lead roles. The movie is 84 minutes long and is rated R.

The movie begins with Scarlet (Jena Malone), and Alex (Douglas Smith) driving to a motel in a deserted town called Samson. They are on a road trip to Los Angeles to start a new life. At the start of the movie, they seem to be a happy couple in love, but soon things start to change. When they arrive at the motel, Alex goes to the office to check-in, but Scarlet stays in the car. While waiting, she hears strange noises coming from the trunk. She investigates and finds a suitcase. She opens it and finds some strange pictures and papers. This leads her on a quest to find out more about the mysterious suitcase, but her investigation uncovers some dark secrets.

The pace of the movie is steady, and the audience is introduced to several different characters throughout the movie. Despite some slow moments, the movie builds tension and mystery, keeping the viewers engaged throughout. From the first moment, there is a sense of unease, which is gradually exacerbated by the strange people they encounter in Samson.

One of the characters they meet is a bartender. He is an old man named Roger Wayne (Ted Levine), who speaks cryptically and has a strange obsession with a mysterious woman called Jolene. The bartender plants ideas in Alex's head, and Alex becomes obsessed with finding this woman. This obsession drives Alex to the brink of insanity.

As the movie progresses, we learn that Alex and Scarlet have a fractured relationship. This becomes more apparent as Alex starts to lose his grip on reality. He disappears at one point, and it is revealed that he has been seeing visions and experiencing bizarre events. This adds to the overall spooky and unnerving atmosphere of the movie.

Aside from Alex and Scarlet, the other significant characters in the movie are the people they encounter in the town. All these characters have their secrets, and it becomes clear that Samson is not an ordinary town. There is an overall feeling of dread, as if something terrible is going to happen. It is not entirely clear who to trust or what is going on until the very end of the movie.

The cinematography in Bottom of the World is one of its standout features. The film takes place mostly in the dark, and the lighting is dark and ominous, adding to the ominous mood. The movie also has some beautifully composed shots of the desert, which are both haunting and eerily beautiful. Additionally, the music and sound effects in the movie create a sense of foreboding and unease.

The acting in Bottom of the World is outstanding. Jena Malone gives a compelling performance as Scarlet, striking just the right balance between a woman in love and a woman trying to uncover the truth. Douglas Smith also delivers an impressive performance as Alex, as his descent into madness gradually takes root throughout the movie. Ted Levine, as Roger the bartender, delivers an evocative and mysterious performance, providing an appropriately creepy and enigmatic presence.

In conclusion, Bottom of the World is a mysterious and haunting psychological thriller that will appeal to those who enjoy atmospheric films with a palpable sense of tension throughout. The movie creates an eerie and unsettling atmosphere that will keep viewers guessing until the very end. The cinematography and performances are outstanding, making the movie well worth watching. If you are in the mood for a slow-burning, psychologically complex thriller, Bottom of the World is worth checking out.