


Detour
The life of Al Roberts, a pianist in a New York nightclub, turns into a nightmare when he decides to hitchhike to Los Angeles to visit his girlfriend.
Insights
Plot Summary
A down-on-his-luck musician, Al Roberts, hitchhikes across the country to reunite with his singer girlfriend. After a chance encounter with a mysterious woman, he finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and murder, desperately trying to escape a fate that seems predetermined. The film chronicles his increasingly desperate attempts to outrun his past and a series of unfortunate events.
Critical Reception
Despite its low budget and initial obscurity, Detour has gained significant critical acclaim over time, particularly within the film noir community. It is now widely regarded as a cult classic, praised for its bleak atmosphere, innovative storytelling, and raw portrayal of fate and desperation. Its reputation has grown exponentially since its initial release, becoming a staple in discussions of the genre's most impactful films.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its efficient, bleak, and atmospheric direction by Edgar G. Ulmer.
- Commended for its surprisingly complex narrative exploring themes of fate and guilt.
- Ann Savage's performance as the manipulative femme fatale is a standout element.
Google audience: Audiences appreciate the film's dark and compelling narrative, the intense performances, and its status as a quintessential film noir. Many find its exploration of bad luck and fatalism highly engaging.
Fun Fact
The film was shot in just six days on a very limited budget, with many scenes filmed on existing studio sets.
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TMDB Reviews
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