In the eerie world of Deadland, where the border between life and the afterlife blurs, U.S. Border Patrol Agent Angel Waters (portrayed by Roberto Urbina) grapples with a chilling mystery that isn’t of the ordinary. Directed by Lance Larson, this genre-bending film premiered at SXSW 2023 and leaves an ingrained mark on the psyche.
Angel’s routine apprehension along the Rio Grande takes a sinister turn when he encounters a stranger (Luis Chávez) crossing into treacherous waters. Angel’s instincts scream danger, but little does he know that this encounter will haunt him forever. On this land, death doesn’t always mean finality. When the same migrant who died reappears at the river’s edge, Angel grapples with a reality that defies logic. The film’s haunting premise draws us into a world where the veil between life and death is thin.
Roberto Urbina delivers a brooding and haunted performance as Angel Waters. His portrayal captures the internal struggle of a man haunted by the choices he’s made. McCaul Lombardi as Ray Hitchcock adds depth to the film, their chemistry creating a tense dynamic. Julieth Restrepo’s Salomé Veracruz brings vulnerability and strength, while Kendal Rae’s portrayal of Hannah Waters adds emotional weight.
Larson’s direction is on point. He masterfully builds tension through sparse dialogue, allowing the visuals and performances to speak volumes. The film’s pacing keeps viewers on edge, never revealing too much too soon. The editing, a nod to Larson’s background as a film editor, is precise and impactful.
Deadland is more than a thriller; it’s a meditation on mortality, guilt, and the unexplainable. Urbina’s performance anchors the film, while the haunting visuals and eerie soundtrack seep into our consciousness. Brace yourself for a journey that defies death and leaves you pondering the thin line between this world and the next.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
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