Nevada

Nevada is a 1997 indie film chronicling the surreal journey of a young woman named Chrysty (Amy Brenneman) who returns home to Reno, Nevada after finishing her stint in the Peace Corps. Upon her arrival, she is greeted by her ex-boyfriend, Bo (Ben Browder), who is now a struggling musician. He convinces her to accompany him on a road trip to Las Vegas to hit it big at the casinos.

The plot is simple enough, but as the duo hits the road, they find themselves in increasingly bizarre situations that test their relationship and their views on life. Along the way, they encounter a cast of characters that includes a crazy ex-girlfriend, a flamenco dancer, and a drug dealer with a monkey.

The first half of the movie is a slow burn, with a focus on character development and relationship building. Brenneman and Browder have great chemistry together, and their interactions are genuine and heartfelt. There are also some funny moments, particularly in the banter between the two.

As the film progresses, it takes a turn into the surreal. The dreamlike atmosphere and strange occurrences build upon each other until it becomes clear that there is some deeper meaning to Chrysty and Bo's journey. The symbolism is heavy-handed at times, but it adds to the overall sense of unease and mystery.

One of the standout elements of Nevada is its visual style. The film is beautifully shot, with a mix of natural landscapes and neon-soaked cityscapes. The lighting and color palette contribute to the dreamlike quality of the film. There are also some interesting editing choices, such as quick cuts and jump cuts, that keep the viewer on their toes.

Overall, Nevada is a unique and intriguing film. It's not for everyone, as the pacing can be slow and the surrealism may be off-putting to some viewers. However, those who are willing to dive into the world created by writer/director Gary Tieche will be rewarded with a thought-provoking and visually stunning film.