The Story:

Two FBI agents struggle to uncover the secret tied between a sadistic string of homicides, and a horrific highway crime scene. Making it more difficult are the witnesses who appear to have fabricated accounts of what happened in order to conceal their own dark secrets within the wreckage.

The Characters:

The cast is comprised of odd, unbelievable characters who are mainly made of surprisingly familiar faces given the circumstances. My guess is everyone must have jumped at the chance to work with the daughter of David Lynch, who both wrote and directed this thriller. French Stuart (3rd Rock From The Sun) and Kent Harper play corrupt police officers who blow out people’s tires so they can psychologically torment and humiliate their victims, on what has to be the least-used highway ever constructed. SNL’s Cheri O’ Terri and Durham County’s Hugh Dillon play the parents of a family on vacation who are first to fall victim to the duo. Followed by the drug addicted couple played by Pell James (Fanboys) and talented newcomer Mac Milller. Bill Pullman and Julia Ormond round out the cast as the FBI agents, with Michael Ironside playing a small role as the police unit’s captain.

Effects/Gore:

The crime is brutal and calculated in execution and we get to see it from many different perspectives and angles. The real effect, however, is the psychological unease the movie uncomfortably forces on it’s victims.

Lasting Appeal:

Although the movie is very artistic and well made the whodunnit scenario can never be viewed the same way twice, making it feel like a one-trick pony you never have to ride again.

Final Headcount:

Jennifer Lynch brings us a solid effort and steps out from underneath her father’s shadow in a big way. But the familiar script doesn’t always match the creativity behind the lens. Simply put, once you finish putting a puzzle together the picture becomes a whole lot less interesting.