Some of the most compelling stories center around people who find themselves thrust into intense situations. Here, the audience finds themselves thrust into Jimmy Stewart’s role in Rear Window, forced into a small apartment, helpless as we watch in terror the danger the others are in, unable to impact the series of events unfolding. We grip the edge of our seats and laugh uncomfortably, twitching uncontrollably as the tension builds to the inevitable breaking point. The Last Stop in Yuma County is a film that achieves making its audience voyeurs in this well-crafted (yet simple) story.
A small diner attached to a motel and gas station on the way out of Yuma County suddenly finds itself populated by people waiting for the gasoline delivery. A knife salesman (Jim Cummings) on his way to see his daughter is the first to arrive, and sits with a day-old crossword puzzle inside the diner run by Charlotte (Jocelin Donahue), whose husband is the sheriff (Michael Abbott Jr.). It is harmless enough, but the next set of customers are two ruthless bank robbers trying to get out of town as quickly as possible.
Writer and director Francis Galluppi set out to make an impact with his feature film debut. The setup is simple and he executes the plan every step of the way. There is style and substance in this film. The Coen brothers influence is present through the dark sense of humor, the characters, and the crime genre. Of course, there is Miles, played by Ryan Masson, who references other movies frequently – which are all clearly nods to influences of Galluppi. The intentionality of each piece of the story is visible to those familiar with story structure and filmmaking…but in the best way possible. The craftsmanship is visible, and impossible not to appreciate.
Galluppi’s story is augmented and enhanced by brilliant casting. Cummings continues to demonstrate he is able to carry a film. Here, he plays a slightly more restrained character than he has in some of his own films. He really brings something to this movie, and he is surrounded by truly solid performances from everyone else.
The bank robbers on the run are played by Richard Brake and Nicholas Logan. Brake is terrifying, and when he makes a threat even the audience sinks back into their chairs. You know he will do exactly what he says he will. Logan is a bit more chaotic, but also clearly dangerous. From the moment they pull up to the diner, it’s clear that these guys are on a mission, and will not let anyone stand in their way.
The setup is built to be tense, and it is used to great effect in this movie. While it starts with just the four previously mentioned characters, more people eventually seek the shelter of the diner as they await the arrival of the gas truck. Since we know that the robbers are there and have no intention of being caught, every time another person enters the mix, we also know their lives are in danger. It’s effective storytelling, and allows for some great character actors to deliver some good moments. These include Faizon Love, Gene Jones, Robin Bartlett, Sierra McCormick, Connor Paolo, Alex Essoe, Sam Huntington, Jon Proudstar, and Barbara Crampton.
From the opening shot in The Last Stop in Yuma County of the Arizona vista in the background with a little bird sitting on top of the empty gas pump as the knife salesman slowly enters the frame and parks, it is evident that Galluppi has talent. Choosing to set this in the 80’s or 90’s not only offers a familiar aesthetic, but it helps to make his story function. His style comes across in his music selection, impactful montages, and a mostly successful finale. There is a dark sense of humor woven through multiple moments that may not click for everyone – but if it does, you’ll be hooked while watching the film.
The Last Stop in Yuma County will be in theaters and On Digital May 10.
Rating: Not Quite Golden, Ponyboy
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