DETOUR

Cinemavixion Review

Edgar G. Ulmer's 'Detour' is a masterclass in low-budget noir, a film that punches well above its weight in terms of atmosphere and narrative tension. Released in 1945, this cinematic gem, with a runtime of just 66 minutes, plunges viewers into a desperate spiral of fate and poor choices. Tom Neal delivers a compelling performance as Al Roberts, a down-on-his-luck pianist whose journey from New York to Hollywood to reunite with his girlfriend, Sue, takes a dark and irreversible turn. The plot, elegantly framed as a flashback, sees Roberts accepting a ride from a shady gambler, Charles Haskell Jr. A fateful encounter leads to Haskell's demise and Roberts' desperate assumption of his identity. What follows is a descent into a noir labyrinth, further complicated by the introduction of the formidable Ann Savage as a blackmailer who relentlessly pursues Roberts. 'Detour' is lauded for its gritty realism and claustrophobic tone, a testament to Ulmer's directorial prowess and the tight script. Despite its modest budget, the film has garnered significant critical acclaim over the years, evidenced by a near-perfect 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and a strong 7.3/10 on IMDb. Its enduring legacy lies in its potent exploration of guilt, identity, and the inescapable nature of destiny, solidifying its place as a must-watch for any aficionado of film noir.