DETOUR

Cinemavixion Review

Edgar G. Ulmer's 'Detour' is a masterclass in low-budget noir, a film that punches well above its weight and has rightfully earned its place as a cult classic. Originally released in 1945, this film, starring Tom Neal as the ill-fated Al Roberts and Ann Savage as the chillingly manipulative Vera, offers a bleak and captivating descent into a spiral of bad luck and worse decisions. Roberts, a nightclub pianist fleeing New York for Hollywood to reunite with his girlfriend, finds himself entangled in a fatal accident and a subsequent identity theft that plunges him into a labyrinth of blackmail and despair. The plot, expertly summarized in the local description, unfolds with a relentless pace, drawing viewers into its dark, fatalistic atmosphere. Despite its modest runtime of 66 minutes, 'Detour' delivers a powerful punch, exploring themes of fate, guilt, and the corrupting nature of circumstance. Its critical acclaim, evidenced by a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes (98%) and a strong IMDb rating of 7.3/10, is a testament to Ulmer's visionary direction and the compelling performances that bring this grim narrative to life. A must-watch for any aficionado of film noir or character-driven thrillers.