I wasn't quite sure what to expect going into 'Detour'. I have enjoyed some of writer/director Christopher Smith's previous work, it always has an edge to it, something that makes it unique and different. Again it would have to be said that 'Detour' is a unique film, just perhaps not as much so as some of his other films. Something else I like about his work is that it pulls no punches and you really have a sense as an audience member that anything could happen. That is certainly apparent in 'Detour'.
One thing that let the film down for me was Tye Sheridan in the lead role. He just has zero charisma and is very hard to root for. I understand his role wasn't supposed to be an overly likable or fun guy, but a good actor can still make themself watchable and entertaining while playing a role like that. Other than that though there isn't a whole lot I can fault the film for. The rest of the cast performed adequately and the pacing is very well handled despite a chopping type of story line. It's certainly nothing game-changing or mesmerising, but if you have a couple of hours to kill there are far worse ways you could do it than by watching 'Detour'.
One thing that let the film down for me was Tye Sheridan in the lead role. He just has zero charisma and is very hard to root for. I understand his role wasn't supposed to be an overly likable or fun guy, but a good actor can still make themself watchable and entertaining while playing a role like that. Other than that though there isn't a whole lot I can fault the film for. The rest of the cast performed adequately and the pacing is very well handled despite a chopping type of story line. It's certainly nothing game-changing or mesmerising, but if you have a couple of hours to kill there are far worse ways you could do it than by watching 'Detour'.