A knife salesman (Jim Cummings) is on his way to see his daughter for her birthday. As he passes through Arizona, he must make a stop for fuel at a petrol station, which also happens to be a diner. Unfortunately, Vernon (Faizon Love), a worker at the petrol station, advises the Knife Salesman that there is currently no fuel at the station. Luckily, there is a fuel truck on its way. With no other choice, the Knife Salesman accepts the invitation to wait at the diner, which is attended by Charlotte (Jocelin Donahue).
Arriving at the same diner and fuel station are two criminals- Beau (Richard Brake) and Travis (Nicholas Logan)- who also need fuel. They have just robbed a bank and are on the run with a car trunk full of cash. Soon, the identities of Beau and Travis are discovered, and the pair hold the diner and its customers hostage. Can the customers find a way to survive and outsmart the criminals, or will there be significant bloodshed?
The Last Stop in Yuma County is a crime story and thriller with multiple twists and surprising turns. The feature was directed by Francis Galluppi, whose past work includes several short films such as The Gemini Project (2020) and High Desert Hell (2019). It’s worth noting that this is my first time experiencing any of Galluppi’s work, and watching this film with little prior knowledge was a tremendous experience!
The film’s plot quickly unfolds with a simple storyline. As the film progresses, more characters are introduced, leading to increasingly complex and tense situations. The story is unpredictable and includes moments of tension, violence, and even a bit of humour. The quick runtime is a positive aspect, especially since it takes place predominantly in one central location.
The characters in this film, including the villains, are very likable. I liked how each character was unique from the others. Visually, this film is well-made, effectively capturing tense moments and the main plot. I especially enjoyed the different tracking shots, which made the film more engaging on a deeper level. Although action scenes are infrequent, when they occur, they look realistic and are intense.
Overall, this film consists of a captivating storyline that unfolds immediately. What’s most enjoyable are the diverse characters that are introduced, each with their own unique traits, and the numerous unexpected twists and turns throughout the film. It’s a clever movie with a simple concept, featuring moments that are tense, funny, violent, bloody, and shocking, all in a brisk runtime. Personally, I will be paying closer attention to the work of director Francis Galluppi in the future!
The Last Stop In Yuma County (2023) is Now available on Digital and Available on Blu-ray from December 4th!
7.8/10
21st September 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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