Watch Off the Beaten Path

Off the Beaten Path is a 2019 indie drama directed by Dan Steadman that follows two estranged sisters, Claire (Madeline Blumm) and Charlie (Kristen Mortensen), who reunite after more than a decade to reconnect after their mother's death. As the two embark on a road trip through the American Southwest in their mother's vintage VW camper, they come to terms with the past and explore their sisterhood in ways they never thought possible.

The film opens with Claire, the younger of the two, preparing for her mother's funeral. She is reserved and seems emotionally distant as she delivers the eulogy, barely able to contain her emotions. As the service ends, Charlie unexpectedly shows up, prompting Claire to confront her about not being there for their mother in her time of need. After a heated exchange, the sisters decide to spend some time together, setting off on their journey across the desert.

What follows is a slow-moving yet compelling exploration of sisterhood, grief, and connectedness. The film's strength lies in its ability to eschew easy resolutions and keep its lead characters grounded in the raw reality of their situation. As Claire and Charlie navigate the harsh terrain, they slowly begin to open up to each other, revealing painful secrets and hidden resentments that have festered over the years.

Madeline Blumm delivers a standout performance as Claire, bringing depth, nuance, and emotional honesty to her portrayal of a woman struggling to reconcile her past with her present. Kristen Mortensen is equally impressive as the confrontational Charlie, conveying a world-weary cynicism that is also tinged with vulnerability.

The film's cinematography is stunning, showcasing the natural beauty of the Southwest to great effect. As the sisters make their way through the desert, the camera pans out to capture the vastness of the landscape, juxtaposing their smallness against the majesty of nature. The use of music is also noteworthy, with the soundtrack featuring a mix of folk, blues, and country songs that perfectly complement the film's mood and tone.

Throughout the film, there are moments of humor and heartwarming connection that offset the underlying tension between the sisters. There are also brief vignettes that serve to highlight the many strangers they encounter on their journey, each of whom has their own story to tell. These encounters serve as a reminder of the many different paths people can take in life and the importance of human connection in a world that often feels cold and unwelcoming.

One of the highlights of Off the Beaten Path is its willingness to tackle tough issues head-on, without resorting to cliches or easy platitudes. The film doesn't shy away from exploring the more uncomfortable aspects of its characters' lives, and in doing so, it creates a powerful and deeply affecting portrait of the human experience.

Overall, Off the Beaten Path is a beautifully crafted indie drama that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt disconnected from those closest to them. It's a poignant reminder of the importance of family, forgiveness, and compassion, and it's not to be missed.

Off the Beaten Path is a 2019 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.