“Dark Country,” released in 2009, evokes the feel of a Hitchcock film, presenting itself as a desert mystery that can be perplexing to watch. The narrative follows a couple—played by Thomas Jane and Lauren German—who find themselves caught up in unsettling events after an impromptu wedding in Las Vegas. Ron Perlman portrays a police officer, while Chris Browning takes on the role of a peculiar bystander. Jane also served as the film’s director, working from a script penned by Tab Murphy. The movie shares similarities with films like “Wind Chill” (2007) in its tone, although it unfolds within a desert landscape rather than a snowy woodland and tells a different story. The initial portion of the film progresses at a deliberate pace, featuring ordinary conversations alongside odd occurrences. However, the plot gains momentum as it moves into the second half. Sadly, the ending feels unclear and raises numerous questions. Still, those who contemplate it might discover solutions if they’re willing to look for them. The cinematography is exceptional in creating an atmosphere of suspense and presenting striking visuals. It successfully conveys the unsettling feeling that comes from being stranded at a desolate rest stop late at night or wandering through the desert wilderness after dark. However, the storytelling doesn't quite reach the level of “Wind Chill”; the unusual conclusion lacks emotional impact and feels overly vague in my opinion. The film’s running time is 1 hour and 28 minutes, and it was filmed in New Mexico. GRADE: B-

Source on TMDB