Watch Detour

Detour is a 2016 film that uses an unconventional narrative technique to tell a story of deceit and violence. The movie centers around the character of Harper, a law student who is dealing with the aftermath of his mother's hospitalization. Harper's stepfather is responsible for the accident, but because of his wealth and power, he is untouchable. Harper is frustrated and angry, feeling that justice is out of reach. One night, he meets Johnny, a charismatic and dangerous criminal who offers him a way out of his problems.

The movie starts with Harper narrating his story, but soon, the narrative is split into two parallel storylines. In one storyline, Harper accepts Johnny's offer to kill his stepfather and sets off on a road trip across the desert. In the other storyline, Harper decides to stay home and focus on his studies. The split narrative is signaled by a distinct visual style, with the scenes in one storyline shot in black and white, and the scenes in the other storyline in color.

In both storylines, Harper's life spirals out of control. On the road trip with Johnny, things quickly turn violent and Harper is forced to confront his own morality. Meanwhile, back at home, Harper's stepfather's lawyer comes knocking, and Harper must face the consequences of his actions.

The film is a neo-noir, inspired by classic crime stories of the 1940s and 1950s. The use of split narratives and the distinct visual style borrow from experimental films of the 1960s and 1970s. The result is a movie that feels both familiar and fresh. Detour is a thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seat, but it is also a character study of a young man trying to find his place in the world.

The acting in Detour is stellar. Tye Sheridan turns in a nuanced performance as Harper, a young man struggling with grief and anger. Emory Cohen is magnetic as Johnny, a charismatic criminal who is both charming and terrifying. Bel Powley brings depth to her role as Cherry, a stripper who becomes entangled in Harper's world.

The film's soundtrack is also worth noting. The score, by composer James Edward Barker, is haunting and atmospheric. The use of music adds to the film's noirish ambiance.

Detour is a film that demands close attention from its audience. The split narrative can be confusing at first, but it is a rewarding experience to piece together the two storylines. The film is also a commentary on the American Dream, and how it can lead people down dark paths.

In conclusion, Detour is a stylish, tense, and thought-provoking thriller. The use of split narrative and distinct visual style is an effective way to tell a story of deceit and violence. The acting and soundtrack are top-notch, and the film's commentary on the American Dream adds another layer of depth to the story. It is a must-see film for fans of neo-noir, thrillers, or experimental cinema.

Detour is a 2017 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 46.