DETOUR

Cinemavixion Review

Edgar G. Ulmer's "Detour" from 1945 is a quintessential film noir, a masterclass in low-budget, high-impact storytelling. Starring Tom Neal as Al Roberts, a struggling New York pianist, and Ann Savage as the venomous Vera, the film plunges viewers into a spiral of bad luck and moral compromise. Roberts' desperate hitchhiking journey to Los Angeles to reunite with his girlfriend sets in motion a chain of events involving a mysterious death, identity theft, and blackmail, all unfolding under the oppressive shadow of fate. Despite its modest origins and a runtime of just 66 minutes, "Detour" boasts a remarkable critical reception, with Rotten Tomatoes awarding it a near-perfect 98%. Its gritty atmosphere, stark cinematography, and the palpable desperation of its characters have cemented its status as a cult classic. The film's tight narrative and unnerving tone make it a compelling watch, proving that powerful cinema can emerge from the most constrained circumstances. A must-see for fans of film noir and psychological thrillers.