Watch Desert Bloom

Set in the mid 1950s, Desert Bloom is a drama film that tells the story of a young girl named Rose Chismore, who lives in the Las Vegas desert with her family. Directed by Eugene Corr, the film features a star cast including Jon Voight, JoBeth Williams, and Annabeth Gish. Rose, played by Annabeth Gish, is the daughter of Jack Chismore (Jon Voight), an alcoholic ex-soldier who is haunted by his memories of World War II. Jack's trauma is affecting his family life, making him a distant and abusive father. Rose's mother Lily, played by JoBeth Williams, is emotionally exhausted and distant from Jack, leaving Rose alone to deal with Jack's erratic behavior.

As the story unfolds, we see how Rose struggles to cope with the challenges posed by her family and growing up in an arid, lonely environment. The film highlights the contrast between the glittering lights of the city and the vast, barren desert of Las Vegas, and the stark differences between the haves and have nots.

Despite her struggles, Rose remains hopeful about the future and finds refuge in the company of her friends, namely the neighboring Indian boy named Blackhawk, played by Jay Underwood, and her teacher Miss Amelia, played by Ellen Barkin. They offer her friendship, companionship, and guidance as she navigates her way through life.

Throughout the film, we see Rose's character mature and develop a sense of independence as she realizes that she can't always rely on her parents for support. She takes on household responsibilities and starts to question her father's abusive behavior. Rose also starts to question the actions and motives of the adults around her, particularly when she witnesses the effects of radiation poisoning from nuclear testing on the local population.

Desert Bloom is a powerful and poignant film that explores the theme of trauma and its effects on family dynamics. It deals with heavy subject matter, such as alcoholism, abuse, and nuclear testing, but manages to balance these issues with moments of heartwarming and lighthearted scenes.

The performances of the lead actors are deeply moving and heartfelt, with Jon Voight and JoBeth Williams shining in their roles as troubled parents. Annabeth Gish delivers a powerful performance as Rose, capturing the innocence and hopefulness of youth despite her challenging circumstances.

The cinematography is striking, capturing the beauty and desolation of the desert landscape with breathtaking clarity. The film's soundtrack, featuring songs from the 1950s, adds to the nostalgic and poignant feel of the film.

In summary, Desert Bloom is a beautifully crafted drama that explores complex issues with sensitivity and grace. It is a coming-of-age story that unflinchingly depicts the challenges of growing up in a troubled family against a stunning desert backdrop. The film's strong performances, deep themes, and stunning visuals make it a must-see for fans of the genre.