User reviews

Sometimes we find beauty in the strangest places; and, remarkably for such a gruesome title, Wristcutters could probably be said to be a rather uplifting affirmation of life, hidden within a seriously quirky black comedy. Set in an afterlife reserved for people who commit suicide, it seems to contain wacky nuggets of truth from oddball characters including Zia, searching for the love of his life, Mikal, an accidental visitor, Eugene, a Russian musician that electrocuted himself on stage from being badly heckled, and the weird and wonderful Kneller, played by the ever-mysterious Tom Waits.

Zia slits his wrists and promptly wakes up in a world resembling this one, except that the colours are rather washed out and nobody smiles. He abandons his job at Kamikaze Pizza to search for his former love Desirée, and soon makes close friends with Mikal and Eugene, who accompany him on one of the strangest road trips since Dorothy lost her innocence in the Wizard of Oz.

What gives Wristcutters its edge, are the frequent, addictively interesting, and not immediately fathomable symbols that keep cropping up and nagging away like in any good movie that yearns for cult status: such as the black hole under the passenger seat where things just disappear. We just know that place - how many things have you lost there? Then there are people who are just far too weird to have been dreamt up on the back of a Hollywood paycheck: like the throat-singing mute, the dead-again messiah, or the policeman who still has a hole in his head.

There is a temptingly meaningful logic at work that will leave you fitting the pieces together long after the film has finished. Explaining how to perform minor miracles to the lovelorn Zia, Kneller tells him: "As long as you want it so bad, it's not going to happen - the only way it's gonna work is if it doesn't matter . . . " We soon start looking for clues to this rather crazy world and here Mikal (played by the much under-rated Shannyn Sossamon) looks like a good bet - but then so does anyone if you let your imagination run wild enough.

The religious orthodoxy behind the ultimate ideas of Wristcutters is a weakness, but it is put subtly and light-heartedly so will be inoffensive to most viewers.

If the stars in your sky have gone out for a while, maybe treat yourself to this zany and very well-produced story to set them on fire again. Wristcutters - a Love Story is at once touching, hilarious, thought-provoking and a hugely enjoyable ride.

This is a creative treat that, while boasting of no discernible insight or idealist film-making ambitions, manages thoroughly entertaining – perhaps it is due to the aforementioned low-key approach that Wristcutters fares so well. Balkan director Goran Dukic combines the best of offbeat indie cinema with 'traditional' dark humour, making the film appropriately edgy but never tipping over into 'desperately quirky' like so many "festival type films" fall prey to.

In fact, when I sneaked in as a volunteer to a screening during the Stcokholm International Film Festival, the manager presented the film as one of his personal favourites of 2006. This should serve as a mark of its success and indeed I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun I had. This is highly ironic since both the style and substance of Wristcutters are unspeakably gloomy and sad. Much credit it due to Dukic for making something as tragic as suicide victims into laugh-out-loud catalysts.

But the film perhaps belongs to Patrick Fugit who inhabits the protagonist Zia – a young man who slits his wrists in the first scene of the film and ends up in a 'suicide limbo' of sorts, where all people who have taken their own lives are banished. I say 'banished' because this afterlife is an unreasonably gloomy, grey and grainy nowhere-place that is captured remarkably through a seemingly colourless lens that aptly emphasizes the mundane and depressing state. There are barren industries and vast stretches of desert – nothing else. Oh and no one smiles. Ever.

Zia leads a dull life in this post-apocalyptic hole until one day he finds out that his ex-girlfriend on earth has also committed suicide and ought to be in the same place as him. He sets out on a road-trip with his friend Eugene (a superbly funny Shea Whigham) – a Russian immigrant who lives with his whole family of suicide victims and soon the two are joined by a beautiful newcomer and hitchhiker (Shannyn Sossamon) who claims she got here "by mistake" and is now trying to rectify it by finding the people in charge.

Although much fun is to be found in the creatively barren setting, the central triumvirate is possibly one of the most dynamic mix of characters on film in recent years, no hyperbole. Shea Whigham is gloriously hard-boiled and hilarious as Eugene the Russian and enables the director Dukic to reconnect with his Slavic roots. It is both admirable and puzzling that the film manages so funny without resorting to laughter or smiles (there are two smiles throughout the movie, seriously).

But 'Wristcutters' has problems: it remains a shallow look at an infinitely more layered issue, suicide. It explores no characters to depth nor does it ever bring up what drove them to taking their own life in the first place. In this way, no interesting philosophical notions are navigated and no insights or messages come through other than an overriding 'Pro-Life' attitude – Pro-Life being for living and against suicide which is punished by an eternity in a perpetually gloomy state, a subtle hell of creative proportions.

Thankfully it avoids most of its shortcomings by simply being short and sweet. Of course, this renders Wristcutters: A Love Story an ultimately forgettable little indie romp.

7 out of 10

Wristcutters" is about guy named Zia (Patrick Fugit) who commits suicide after his girlfriend breaks up with him. Once he does, he doesn't die but goes to a place where others who have committed suicide live as well. It's a bizarre tale of love, friendship, and the afterlife told through the eyes of director Goran Dukic and is based on the short story "Kneller's Happy Campers" by Etgar Keret. A funny, strange but very original film ensues…

I had the pleasure of being able see this film at the Philadelphia Film Festival earlier tonight and I was glad that I got the opportunity to see such an original and creative film which so few will ever see. While this movie may actually be too dark or weird for some audiences, I personally loved it. It's been a long time since I have seen a romantic comedy that is this unique and this original. The plot for the movie is so bizarre that your eyes and brain are glued to the screen the entire time.

This movie puts a whole new spin on the idea of a romantic comedy and does it flawlessly. All the characters seem to connect as they interact with each other. The movie seems to be a mix of the movie "Interstate 60" and the work of writer Hunter S Thompson. The movie at times is very dark and odd but it only adds to the originality and creative minds behind the film.

When watching this film, just sit back and enjoy the ride. This film takes you to a world that you have never seen before. Who would ever think you would see a movie about a world that exists only to those who have committed suicide? And the funniest thing is it's the same thing as our world but a few minor differences. This is a movie that relies on imagination, something we as adults seem to forget to use anymore. This movie challenges Hollywood to take risks and go beyond the typical storyline and into something more creative and out of the ordinary.

The acting in this film is very solid. Patrick Fugit who I feel is always underrated as an actor really does a great job in this film. I mean you think after movies like "Almost Famous" and "Saved!" his career would have taken off but oddly enough it hasn't yet. Regardless of his career, I think he did a great job with the material given to him. Also Shannyn Sossamon who played Mikal did a great job as well. Again I think she is another actress who has potential. She hasn't had a great breakout performance as of yet but I feel she has the potential to be big and when she does land that breakout role, she will be. Shea Whigham who played Eugene was very amusing. I enjoyed him as the crazy sidekick to Zia. And finally just because I think the guy is a riot and since half the audience started to laugh when they saw him appear on screen I must give credit to Will Arnett (GOB from Arrested Development) who appeared on screen for way to short of a role in my opinion. What made his role stand out was the fact that so many people recognized him as GOB on "Arrested Development" which as he came on screen near the end of the film, half the theater laughed and clapped. There are several others I haven't mentioned here but they all did a fine job as well.

Director and writer Goran Dukic did a great job on this film especially since it was his first feature film. As the audience talked with Mr. Dukic during the Q&A I found out that a lot of this film was taken directly from the short story but the way he brought the film alive was amazing. I honestly think this is probably one of the most original and creative films I have seen in the theater in the last year or so. And Mr. Dukic does a fine job directing this film and capturing this bizarre world.

In conclusion, if you're a fan of dark comedies I highly recommend this film. If you like movies that dare to be different I recommend you see this film. Honestly, I don't know the target audience for this film but it's definitely a must for those who want to see something original and different from the norm. It's a fine first film from director and writer Goran Dukic and it puts a new spin on the romantic comedy genre and all the things we will do for love. I would have to say it's probably the second best film I seen all year maybe not for being powerful or moving but for being really original and creative.

MovieManMenzel's final rating for "Wristcutters: A Love Story" is a 9/10. A must see for those who love creative and dark stories or like movies that go beyond the norm.

An excellent film and well worth seeing: It defies pigeonholing into a genre; it's a romantic comedy, but not *at all* like the stereotypical romantic comedy, even if it does use some of the same conventions. It's a road movie, but not in the traditional sense. The dynamics and even the plot work and are believable, requiring less suspension of disbelief than I would've imagined. The music and cinematography work well into a story that is darkly/morbidly funny but also a bit sweet, without being saccharine. The acting is well done and the characters believable and quite well developed. This is definitely an art-house film, but one that it really decently pedestrian and accessible, rather than esoteric or exclusionary (that is, appealing to only art-house film lovers). The sound works well, and visual effects are only ever momentarily cheesy.

Spent the evening up at the beautiful Sundance Ski Resort. Wristcutters: A Love Story was playing. I had a list of 4 or 5 films I wanted to see this year, but the only one available when I could attend (after work) was Wristcutters. As a warning - I talk some about movie content - but not really any more than is already available in the movie blurbs distributed by Sundance.

It is the result of the ongoing Sundance Institute's efforts at nurturing up and coming filmmakers. This film began at the institute 2 years ago when the director / screen writer, Guran Dukic took a screenwriters course. For his screenplay he choose a novella by an Israeli, Etgar Keret "Kneller's Happy Campers". All the particulars of the film making process Dukic covered during the Q&A after the film.

As a brief summary, this is a story about a young man (Fugit) who, after his girlfriend leaves him, cuts his wrists. He suddenly finds himself in the afterlife in the same, if not worse, situation than he was in life. After quite some time of pointless existence (who knew they had pizza in the afterlife?) he learns that the woman (Bibb) he ended his life for, missed him so much, she too suicided. He immediately decides he must go looking for her. The afterlife is filmed in an overexposed way, making everything look dusty, dirty and washed out. (It was all filmed in and around the LA area.)It was actually fairly effective in making this seem - as Dukic described it "like this world only a little worse". This place is peopled by other suicides, all miserable, all mostly alone. Their main topic of conversations is "so how did you off yourself?" A strange assortment of characters eventually come together as each one explores the issues that led them to suicide in the first place, and through associations, experiences, etc. they start to work through these issues. These characters include Shannyn Sossamon, who did a fairly good job, though at times seems strangely stiff; Shea Whigham as a Russian rock-n-roller (he was great!); Tom Waits as Kneller who runs a "camp", I loved his part and character - though his time in the film was too brief. Will Arnett's part was almost cameo-like.

Interesting theme, and actually fairly unique. The underlying storyline that suicide really solves nothing - just takes your pain and problems to another level is one that many should hear. "What can I do about it now, kill myself again?" -Zia talking about his miserable afterlife.

The filming was pretty well paced, not too long at 91 minutes, with enough comedy thrown in to keep it from being maudlin and enough drama to keep it from becoming clownish. The direction was classic art-house style, with cut aways, closeups, erratic use of music, etc. The direction was pretty clear and concise, though without the polish I'm sure Dukic will pick up with experience. The music worked fairly well. Dukic specifically picked the music played throughout the afterlife by bands that had experienced suicide at some point. There was some beautiful "northern" music as well - you'll know what I mean when you see it.

The language was raw, it would definitely earn an "R" rating. The only concern my friend, who went with me, had was about the love story. She's a middle school teacher and thought that the love story aspect would glamorize suicide as a way to find your "true love". I think they'd be smarter than that - but then we are talking about teenagers! I enjoyed the film, meeting the cast members (Whigham, Lazarev, Dukic, and the producers, etc. were there). I don't know if this is "movie house" quality. I do foresee the day, however, that Dukic will make that leap, he obviously has talent - I just don't think "Wristcutters" is quite there yet. I suppose it will make it to art houses and smaller theaters that show art films. I would recommend it, it was an enjoyable evening.

This is one of "those" movies. You know the kind - like a catchy tune the vibe of this movie stays in your head... the movie had all the chances in the world to be depressing, but it was far from it, there are only a few drama elements and the title is not deceiving, it truly is a love story and a beautiful one at that and also threaded with great humor, when I laughed, I laughed hard. And I would probably cry if the ending was any different.

I won't go into possibilities and impossibilities of metaphysical, because that's absolutely not what this story is about; purgatory, if you will, is only the stage, where the romantic play is performed, with that, it's innovative though actually daring, as it was probably obvious the box office would never explode from what 'Wristcutters' would make. In my opinion, the movie is so well made it would have been great even if it was stripped of suicide thing and it was just a plain love story. Oh and Shannyn Sossamon was so convincing, I think I'm in love with her now. ;)

I caught this on prime video and it's yet another quirky movie I've found on the streaming platform that I couldn't see elsewhere. This kept my attention unlike the other movie I had watched the same day, Raising Arizona. I actually liked the happy ending despite other reviewers saying opposite.

this is a must see picture. if you enjoyed Garden State then you will most definitely enjoy this. A movie that deals with life, and the appreciation of it all, even from a dead perspective in a creative way. a must see for Tom Waits Fans and recommended to anyone who's a sucker for a love story. The movie deals with what's at the core of a person. Cinematography that let's a viewer sink into the story, and laugh at what most would refer to as a "dark" or "sad" topic. With all that's going on in the world, it's about time that we start to realize that life is what we have, it's something valuable, that we have the choice to live, and can start living it any day. When Mikal says, "most of my friends were already half dead or dead anyways.", it does make you think and the movie pushes the idea it's never to late to start your life. The actors are all well picked for this movie, it seems as though they all move with ease together. You will leave the theater feeling not so much better about life, but with a smile on your face. You'll feel not a huge sigh of a relief, but a sigh of delight. Something about the movie made me remember time and time again that the purpose is to enjoy what you have, and to love without regret. It's a movie that makes you appreciate life from a new angle.

I stumbled upon the trailer on the internet, and it looked like it had all the makings of a quirky indie film: an interesting setup, a road trip, Tom Waits, so I was excited to see it, and... I don't know, it just fell kind of flat for me. It was neither all that funny, or all the dramatic, just sort of plodded along. There were whole spans of this movie that were aimless and without spark. The characters never become full or interesting. It's not bad, it's not good, it felt like cinematic purgatory. I just kept waiting for the movie to take off, but then it was over. Patrick Fugit does a good job trying to make an incredibly uncompelling character watchable, and Shea Wigham's a riot when given the chance. Still, you'll spend the movie wishing there had been a more experienced director, crew and a more innovative writer (Charlie Kaufman, vielleicht?)

I skirted around watching Wristcutters: A Love Story for awhile because of the name. I think that the film would be watched on a larger scale if it was named after the short story it's based on: Kneller's Happy Campers, or just Happy Campers.

That being said I knew I wanted to watch this film after reading many reviews saying it was a dark comedy. And after watching it I think it would be better defined as a quirky comedy. It deals with a dark issue but it doesn't do it in a dark way. I found most of the humor to be more odd ball comedy than dark.

The story is about Zia (Patrick Fugit) who commits suicide. When he gets to the afterlife reserved for people who commit suicide he learns that his girlfriend, Desiree (Leslie Bibb), is a recent addition as well. With the help of Eugene (She Whigham) and Mikal (Shanyn Sossamon) he goes a journey to find her.

I found this movie to be very up-lifting, contradictory to the name, but again I think Happy Campers would be a better fit for the title. If this film has popped on on your radar for whatever reason don't skirt around it because of the title or subject matter. You will be pleasantly surprised and feel oddly happy after watching it.

This is one of the best movies I've seen in a while! It's also one of the funniest movies I've seen recently.

The beginning definitely sets you up for the action to come and adds shock value. The first half hour or so was hilarious, filled with nice little humorous tidbits. Then it launches into the whole road trip scheme and focuses a lot more on the characters' emotional journey.

What's also neat for anyone who's spent a lot of time in Los Angeles and the valley is that you can recognize most of the scenery. This brings the plot into our world a little and makes it sort of familiar. The characters bring you along with them on their journey.

Patrick Fugit was fantastic in his role, as were all of the other actors. There were even a few surprise castings that had the audience roaring with laughter and cheering towards the end of the film.

This is truly a character-driven film of the type that you don't find much anymore. You won't regret any minute of it!

Just as I thought I saw all, I met this crazy movie. It's a crazy movie indeed where the focus character killed himself at the very beginning. And after the death, the movie shows the suicide world, which is just plain crazy as an idea. But I kept on watching, curious of what's going to happen, due to the suicide world being depicted not really different from the real world despite the rare crazy and funny differences. All those crazy ideas are presented in a very light manner that they don't frustrate or bore down the viewers. Not to mention the utter crazy stuff people do in the suicide world. They are enjoyably laughable despite the level of the stupidity. Patrick Fugit delivered just an average performance, despite being on a lead role. So did Shannyn Sossamon in bringing out the balancing aspect to the story. But Shea Wigham did a great job in acting out his Russian related character.

Bleak film of death and a depressing afterlife. Lots of nice little touches, like with the music - you only pick up on it after talking with people about it. From what I understand not completely faithful to the book, although I didn't read it. Good humor, oddly uplifting due to the romance.

Saw this at Sundance this year, was one of the 3 best we saw. Patrick Fugit was brilliant. Shannon was also strong. If you like dark films, you won't be disappointed. Can't comment on technical aspects of film, since i'm not in the industry.

Summary: Great cast, good writing. Fun times by all.

2 December 2007. Life after death. This is no AFTER LIFE (1998), a Japanese version of life after death, but it has a dry wit that seems to capture the attention of one's mind and rumbling laughter. This low-budget picture captures some fascinating images of the this vision of the afterlife using some of the scenes from this real, alive life. The selection of eerie, odd broken down stuff is fun and delightful. Azura Skye, unfortunately doesn't get a large role in this movie, unfortunate just because of her past captivating minor roles that she has had in television and movies. Jake Busey's cameo also was also a treat. Overall this movie while entertaining seemed to operate on a low power level, never really accelerating into a deeply, involving, emotionally powerful connecting movie. The ending sequences seemed somewhat unnecessarily confusing, detracting somewhat. Nevertheless this movie remained true to its theme and presentation which most movie like this don't seem to manage. Most movies like this become more serious, darker in tone transforming the mood and breaking the magic. WRISTCUTTERS keeps its integrity much to the credit of the director and writer. Seven out of Ten Stars.

This movie was the highlight of the Sundance Film Festival for me this year. It contains a true love story, hidden under dark satire, and amazing music. If there is one Sundance movie in 2006 you will regret not seeing, don't let it be this one. Wristcutters, is the reason we have this festival.Patrick Fugit(known for Almost Famous)gives an amazing performance. I was doubtful at first when I heard the name, but after seeing it I cannot stop saying enough good things. This one I will definitely pick up on DVD when it is released, and anyone who enjoys dark humor should as well. Again another Sundance job well done. I hope to see more films made like this.

Wristcutters is a wonderful picture about love, suicide, the afterlife, and happiness. At its core, Wristcutters is a surreal romantic comedy about a young man who (after a presumed break up with his girlfriend) kills himself only to wind up in another world that's exactly the same (or slightly worse) than his previous one. As you would expect, this is a very dark comedy with few laugh out loud moments. The acting and direction in the film are all good (especially Tom Waits) and the soundtrack is really amazing. Most of the music was done by Gogol Bordello, a gypsy punk band (I think they are from NY). I also really enjoyed the contrasting landscapes of the world of the living and the world of the dead. Overall this is an effective film that most people will enjoy. The characters are, for the most part, likable and the plot is original and entertaining. A fine piece of dark comedy!

I loved every minute of this film, and there are few movies I can say that about in recent years. With an overall tone similar to Eternal Sunshine/Being John Malkovich/Adaptation, this is a Charlie Kaufman inspired movie with wholly unique content. The characters are interesting and virtually instantly likable, particularly Eugene. It is easy to see Partick Fugit's quiet intensity as a clear choice for Zia, innocent but fallen. Tom waits is fun, and Miss Sossamon, though her Winona Rider persona can be uninspiring in other films, is interesting enough to make up for it in this one. Also, the Messiah could not be more perfectly cast. With the slew of films that perpetuate and exacerbate a false idea of romance, this is a love story I can fully get behind.

The concept of the story, although rather dark and morbid, is an interesting one. The idea of an afterlife that's specifically for people who've offed themselves is a fresh one. It helps that they approach the tone in a lighter comedic way, makes the subject matter a little easier to digest and less bleak. Although, the color filter they use and the way they make the afterlife look can make the movie feel gloomy, arid and unpleasant. The movie definitely has an indie vibe going on, similar to Eternal Sunshine. This movie is a lot more simpler with its execution and production than Eternal. You can tell it was made on a much smaller budget. The eccentric and colorful characters are what make this movie entertaining. The movie has a very peculiar vibe. It's not really laugh out loud funny. It's more offbeat, quirky and unusual. Tom Waits spraying a turkey with a spray water bottle was so random and funny.

It's a pretty entertaining little road trip movie. It would've been nice if the movie tapped into more philosophical and existential themes. The concept and setting of the movie pretty much begs for this, but oh well. Instead, the movie focuses on the characters quirky journey. Eugene, the Russian rocker dude, was probably my favorite character. He pretty much carried the movie in a way. It takes a while to get to the point of it all, but you kind of enjoy the journey with the characters. The beach scene was really nice. The point gets kind of muddled at the end, but I guess the moral is: don't take life for granted and don't make hasty decisions like taking your life. You don't know what you have until you don't have it anymore. I liked it, it was a pretty good movie. I don't think I'd watch it again, but I can recommend it. Raw score: 6.9/10.

"Wristcutters" had a fantastic cast that drew me in more than the plot. Patrick Fugit had a great role in "Deadbirds", Shea Wigham nailed the horror hero in "Splinter", John Hawkes is a great up-and-comer, and Mark Boone Junior, Will Arnett, and Tom Waits are among the fantastic cameos involved. It had everything going for it, and failed miserably.

The new film hype is the "quirky characters falling in love against all odds" arc, a big leap from the hero and heroine. So often you see the type of weird people you wouldn't befriend if your life depended on it becoming heroes of their own quirky movies and their quirky characters fall in love against all quirky odds. The odds in this case is granted an interesting concept, in that Fugit's character commits suicide (hence Wristcutters) and finds himself in a Grey-tinted land where no one smiles.

Fugit meets Wigham's character, who is the most interesting in the film. He is a Russian whose entire family killed themselves almost consecutively, and as a result they are still together in whatever world they are in. Quirky events happen and Wigham and Fugit go on a road trip, where "Wristcutters" starts to go downhill. Shannyn Sossaman's character, a hitchhiker who is looking for the Gods of her new home, gets picked up and guess what happens with Fugit and Sossaman.

A very interesting concept poorly executed by director Goran Dukic. The cinematography is bland and boring, which one may argue is supposed to match the feel of the film. Still. It's bland and it's boring and completely uncaptivating. The dialog is equally bland, and I offer the same argument I previously stated. The direction and feel of the film came off as lifeless, which again, is not something you want, even in a film about lifelessness.

The acting by Fugit is surprisingly mediocre. For the star, he does little to keep our interests. The same with Sossaman, who does nothing with the already bad dialog she's given. The romance between these two is supposed to be our anchor and the lack of chemistry is obvious. The only thing that kept me hooked was a great performance by Wigham (his name is not included on the list of schlocks this movie commits) and a Tom Waits cameo that never seemed to show up.

What can I say besides "this is a brilliant idea that ultimately failed". It may strike a certain audience but for a mild-mannered-movie-buff I thought this movie sucked.

When his girlfriend Desiree (Leslie Bibb) breaks up with him, the heartbroken Zia (Patrick Fugit) commits suicide cutting his wrists. He awakes in the arid Beyond, a dark place inhabited by suicidal people and worst than the world of the living. He finds a job in the pizzeria Kamikaze, sharing a room with a weird roommate. When Zia meets a former friend, he is informed that Desiree has also committed suicide a couple of months after his death. He befriends the Russian guitarist Eugene (Shea Whigham), who died electrocuted in a rock concert, and together they decide to seek out Desiree. While driving in a lonely road, they meet the hitchhiker Mikal (Shannyn Sossamon), who is chasing the People in Charge to clarify that she is not a suicidal, but a victim of OD. In their journey, they befriend Kneller (Tom Waitts), who owns a camping, and Eugene falls in love for Nanuk (Mikal P. Lazarev).

"Weistcutters: A Love Story" is an original and surrealist road movie. The pleasant story is weird, but a great entertainment due to the chemistry among the lead trio - Shannyn Sossamon, Patrick Fugit and Shea Whigham. The conclusion is excellent, open to interpretation of the trip of Zia. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Paixão Suicida" ("Suicide Passion")

I got to see this movie during its screening at The Library Theatre. The cast and crew were there to answer questions and it really added to the experience. The movie was extremely well filmed and had a great original/familiar plot. It felt a lot like the classic Wizard of Oz type film, but with a twist. It was beautifully filmed to convey a sense of trapping boredom. The movie its self was very sweet and satisfying. The actors were well cast and the crew clearly knew what they were doing. What is even better is that most of the scenes, such as the car stuck in the sand, were not staged. The film was shot on location, not in sets, so it creates a vast world with true depth.