Review published 11th January 2025

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A Terrifying Legend of Seduction and Brutal Violence

In legend, there is a type of evil that roams the desert, known to a few as the ‘Dust Devil’. If a woman is tempted by the Dust Devil, she cannot resist for many possible reasons. Perhaps she is a lost soul, has no faith, or is presently grieving. One thing is sure: the woman cannot resist the Dust Devil, especially when confronted by his glowing eyes. In this story, The Dust Devil (Robert John Burke) hitchhikes with a woman who is driving alone. Later that evening, the pair engage in passion; however, by morning, a bloody massacre has occurred. The Dust Devil has brutally murdered the woman, leaving the walls covered in blood, strange drawings scrawled in her blood, and body parts strewn across the room. He walks away clean, burning his tracks and the evidence to the ground, before driving off, even stealing fingers along the way.

A Deadly Hunt Across the Namibian Desert

After the film’s opening, we are introduced to Wendy (Chelsea Field), who decides to leave her husband Mark (Rufus Swart) after growing fed up with his physical abuse. She quickly packs up and heads to the small town of Bethany, a place most people are eager to leave, in part because the town’s water supply is rapidly drying up. For Wendy, Bethany is the last place her partner would think to look for her. She later sends Mark a letter claiming she is going on a holiday to think. Alone, Wendy contemplates suicide as an escape from her tragic world, but something prevents her from going through with it. Instead, she continues her journey on the road, but the Dust Devil is lurking nearby and manages to hitch a ride. Given Wendy’s vulnerable state, she becomes the perfect next target for the shapeshifter. Hot on the Dust Devil’s trail is a policeman, Ben (Zakes Mokae), who is determined to exact revenge for the bizarre murders occurring across the Namibian desert. As he investigates, Ben uncovers the true nature of this supernatural entity and seeks to stop him once and for all. The question is: will the Dust Devil claim Wendy as his next victim, or will she manage to escape his evil?

A Surreal Desert Horror from Cult Filmmaker Richard Stanley

Dust Devil is a horror film with elements of mystery and thriller, particularly surrounding the enigmatic figure of the Dust Devil himself. Viewers are left questioning who he really is and what he wants. Full of vast desert and wasteland settings, the film also carries a surreal, almost otherworldly atmosphere.  The film was written and directed by Richard Stanley, whose other work as a writer and filmmaker includes Hardware (1990), The Theatre Bizarre (2011), The Otherworld (2013), and more. He also directed and co-wrote Colour Out of Space (2019). Stanley is highly regarded in the horror industry for his distinctive filmmaking style and the lasting impact of his multiple cult classics, including Hardware, which remains my personal favourite to this day.

Stunning Visuals and Unforgettable Cinematic Atmosphere

The film features a variety of striking locations. Often extremely sandy or shrouded in darkness, the locations enhance the desolate, otherworldly atmosphere. The use of elemental effects, including smoke, fire, and nightmarish dream sequences, is awe-inspiring. The finale showcases inventive ideas rarely seen in cinema, including explosive and epic moments that stay with the viewer. The costuming is also highly effective, and the Dust Devil himself is perfectly designed, adding another layer of strength and creativity to the film’s visual storytelling.

Strong Atmosphere Undermined by Repetitive Score and Weak Characters

While I initially enjoyed the film’s score, it sadly became far too repetitive, and hearing what felt like the same two tracks over again grew tiresome. The on-screen characters were a mixed bag; some aspects worked well and were engaging, while others fell flat. In the end, I didn’t feel particularly invested in these characters, nor did I find many of them especially likable. Even the Dust Devil, as a lurking force of evil, felt somewhat underwhelming, lacking the creepiness or true menace that might have made him a more compelling villain.

A Visually Striking Horror from Richard Stanley That Rewards Fans of Cult Classics

Overall, Dust Devil is another enjoyable horror film from writer and director Richard Stanley, who once again brings his distinctive style and vision to the screen. Elements such as the inventive costuming, the striking use of fire and smoke, and the creation of memorable nightmare sequences showcase the director at his best, not to mention the haunting desert landscapes and subtle western vibes. While the storyline is compelling, it does drag at times, and I personally found it challenging to connect with the characters or to find them particularly likable for much of the runtime. That said, it’s a must-see for long-term fans of Richard Stanley or anyone who enjoys films like The Beyond, The Thing, and Near Dark.

Dust Devil (1992) is Now Available on 4K UHD thanks to Umbrella!

About the Reviewer

Peter Walkden

Film writer and curator with a deep passion for cinema, genre filmmaking, and physical media. Exploring new releases, cult favourites, and overlooked films, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and the theatrical experience.

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