The Last Stop in Yuma County delivers a suspenseful and wildly entertaining crime thriller, brimming with eccentric characters, standout performances, and unexpected twists.
Set in a rundown diner on a lonely stretch of desert highway, the film kicks off with a group of strangers whose lives unexpectedly collide when a pair of dangerous criminals walk through the door. They arrive fresh from a bank heist we never see but whose aftermath hangs heavy in the air. What unfolds is a tightly wound thriller packed with sharp dialogue, explosive confrontations, and enough twists to keep you guessing until the last frame.
One of the film’s biggest strengths is its cast of offbeat, quirky characters that are a joy to watch, with each character feeling like they’ve stepped out of a pulp novel. Galluppi’s screenplay gives each of them just enough backstory to hook you in, but it’s the performances that really sell it. Jim Cummings, an indie fan favourite best known for his turns in Thunder Road (2018) and The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020), shines as the beleaguered every-man who just wants to survive the day. Cummings has a knack for playing the relatable underdog, and here, he’s in top form—funny, frazzled, and completely out of his depth.
Then there’s Richard Brake, whose presence is as menacing as ever. Brake, with his icy glare and gravelly voice, elevates every scene he’s in, making him a villain you can’t look away from, even when you want to. Cummings and Brake each bring their unique strengths to the film, delivering standout performances that elevate every scene they’re in, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg in a movie filled with memorable characters and compelling acting.
Plot-wise, The Last Stop in Yuma County keeps you on the edge of your seat. Galluppi layers the suspense with a steady hand, never revealing too much too soon. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the story veers, keeping the tension high and the stakes even higher. The script cleverly nods to the kind of crime capers made famous by Quentin Tarantino and the Coen Brothers. While it may not have quite the same polish or wit, it’s got enough charm and chaos to make up for it.
The Last Stop in Yuma County doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a thrilling, often hilarious slice of crime cinema that knows exactly what it wants to be—a fun, wild ride with just the right amount of grit and unpredictability. If you’re wanting a scrappy, character-driven thriller with plenty of twists, this film more than delivers.
Fun Fact:
Gene Jones, who portrays Robert, enters the diner around the 27th minute mark. He is credited as the Gas Station Proprietor in the Coen Brothers’ film “No Country for Old Men.” where he plays opposite Anton Chigurh, portrayed by Javier Bardem, in the famous coin flip scene.
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