DETOUR

Writer/director Christopher Smith brings some really interesting techniques to this story, which take a very run-of-the-mill tale and make it something intriguing. Harper’s choices are sometimes presented in split screen, and sometimes as stand-alone stories. There’s a lot of time manipulation, with small yet vital facts kept from the audience until they’re needed. Smith isn’t afraid to be adventurous, yet keeps the story coherent. He and cinematographer Christopher Ross have also crafted a unique film aesthetically, choosing unusual lenses - particularly very wide - to tell the story.

The cast is top-notch, with great efforts all round. The key trio of Sheridan, Powley and Cohen are some of the most exciting actors of their generation, and their work on ‘Detour’ is no exception. Cohen and Powley’s characters are crude and raw, and they pull it off well (although I did cringe a little every time Powley said “ain’t”). Tye Sheridan’s Harper is the focus of the film, and he’s fascinating to watch, calm and controlled with so much going on below the surface.

While this film isn’t perfect, it takes some risks and most of them come off as wins. It’s sure to keep you entertained and on your toes in order to to keep up with it. If you get given the choice whether or not to watch ‘Detour’ - definitely watch it.