The whole farrago is based on a novel by Michael Farris Smith, who is also a producer which may explain why the script keeps digressing to introduce more badly drawn secondary characters.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 14, 2023

It's a solid thriller about redemption and forgiveness.

Full Review | Original Score: 3 stars | Oct 25, 2023

Despite a screenplay penned by the author of its source material, Desperation Road never quite reaches the heights of Michael Farris Smith's novel.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Oct 18, 2023

Desperation Road does a great job of condensing the novel it is based on into a meaningful film that clocks in under two hours.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Oct 18, 2023

An adaptation that seems to care for the material it’s based on and looks great on screen with a talented cast and crew bringing it to life.

Full Review | Oct 18, 2023

Desperation Road is plain and simple good storytelling, and a solid film from start to finish.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Oct 16, 2023

An unfocused, clunky, overlong and lethargic action thriller. In a double feature with True Romance or Fargo, it would be the vastly inferior B-movie.

Full Review | Oct 14, 2023

A few big moments happen. But Crocker dallies so much between them that we forget the stakes, as do the characters.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 | Oct 14, 2023

Its negatives are that there's a contrived happy ending, the story is disjointed and the main characters are not fully examined.

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Oct 13, 2023

Nadine Crocker's slow-burning 'Desperation Road' may deal with the depths of darkness and despair, but excellent performances and a strong grasp of tone propel it towards the light.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 13, 2023

What could have been another run-of-the-mill thriller is elevated by a slow, sure touch, crafting the story, spending lots of time building character, and establishing a sense of place.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 12, 2023

Desperation Road is a mournful film about people sobered and haunted by their traumatic past.

Full Review | Oct 10, 2023

Despite some intriguing character dynamics, the atmosphere is more compelling than the story, which too often rambles between its generic confrontations involving sex, guns, and alcohol.

Full Review | Oct 6, 2023

Crocker has a decent grasp on the material, overseeing a well-acted and periodically powerful study of grief.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Oct 4, 2023