It’s December the 8th and time to open another door on our Awful Advent Calendar. That’s ermm awful as in bad things happen, not awful as in terrible…. Anyways, Today we are taking a look at the very interesting and quite unique Dead End from 2003. This is a movie that is quite different from pretty much anything else I have ever reviewed. It is a lot of fun, though, with a great cast, bags of tension and convincing performances.
Directed by Jean-Baptiste Andrea and Fabrice Canepa. Dead End follows a family as they head to their relatives house for Christmas. After a near miss on the road. Things start to become increasingly strange as the once familiar road seems to never end.
The entire movie takes place inside of the car or along the roadside that they travel on. Featuring something of a comedy leaning, this is a movie that aims for tension rather than scares. Without further ado, let’s take a look.
Xmas Road Trip From Hell
Dead End follows a family on a Christmas road trip to their relative’s house. This is a trip the family have been making every year for a long time. Frank, who is the patriarch of the family, is driving. Frank decides to take a short cut for first time in the family’s entire history of making the journey. He, apparently, didn’t want to fall asleep while driving. Figuring he should take the fastest route, the short cut seemed a good idea. All of a sudden, the family seem to be traveling on a never ending road to nowhere. Strange and awful things happen each time the family stops. They frequently argue due to their contrasting personalities. And, as time goes on, the tension builds.
The entire events of the film take place either inside of the car or on the sides of the road. It is a somewhat claustrophobic environment. The more time passes, the smaller the space feels. Frank is a control freak and refuses to relinquish the job of driving. This is despite him already falling asleep at the wheel once already. Laura, Frank’s wife, attempts to mediate but too often finds the task overwhelming. Daughter Marion and her boyfriend Brad hang out in the back with Marion’s brother Richard. Richard repeatedly winds up the members of the car and generally acts like an idiot. For lack of a better word, it is chaos on four wheels.
A Mix of Horror and Comedy
Dead End is a fascinating mix of horror and razor sharp wit. Despite being rather unsettling in parts. It is genuinely hilarious for much of its run time. As more and more things go wrong, the characters become increasingly unhinged. This opens the door for even more hilarity as the each of the car’s passengers clash more and more often.
The only family member who seems to remain, at least, somewhat in control is Frank. Part of this is probably down to his domineering personality. He has a complete unwillingness to give up his responsibilities. It becomes clear, as the movie goes on, that even he isn’t able to control what is happening. It’s brilliantly well paced and genuinely compelling.
Quirky Christmas Horror
While not being the most obvious Christmas themed horror in the world. Dead End is set at Christmas and the family are off to a relative’s home for the holidays. The Christmas theme acts as a clever plot device to force the family together for the journey. The fact that most of the family members don’t want to go adds to the tension and awkwardness in the car.
As the movie goes on. The horror is placed in something of a balancing act with the familial drama. This is a group of people that have difficulty expressing their feelings. Long held secrets constantly emerge only serving to increase the tension.
Dead End basks in these revelations before suddenly side swiping you with the horror. It feels like it comes out of nowhere. It is very effective and keeps you suitably off base. It is easy to stay engaged despite the small setting of the car. With each major horror event comes another intriguing revelation. It’s captivating stuff.
A Dream or a Nightmare?
It’s difficult to go too deep into Dead End without spoiling anything. Despite that. It’s impossible not to point out just how dream like the events of this movie feel. I am sure you know that feeling of things in your dreams not quite making sense. Andrea has really captured that strange sensation with Dead End. Nothing seems to add up. If you closely observe some of the details, you will see that certain things are amiss. Little things lack continuity and the more you notice, the more you question what is going on. This becomes all the more apparent as the movie enters its final third. All of this is very deliberate, of course.
It is somewhat fitting that Twin Peaks actor Ray Wise plays Frank in this movie. There is a somewhat, uncanny, Twin Peaks like vibe to what is taking place. The events are very ordinary but something doesn’t feel right. As the family suffer through increasingly horrific events. This feeling becomes even more pronounced.
All of this works extremely well to create a sense of discomfort and foreboding. I have seen many viewers review this movie and seemingly miss these points. They seem to think they are goofs. In reality, however, they are entirely intentional. When taken in context with the ending, it makes perfect sense. Continuity issues and inconsistencies of detail are very considered. They are just part of the toolbox used to keep the viewer guessing.
Tense and Unnerving But Not Scary
Dead End is an unnerving movie. It doesn’t aim to scare you, it wants to get inside your head and make you feel uneasy. Something which it frequently achieves. You feel quite unsettled just by the strangeness of what is happening. The appearance of the mysterious Lady In White only serves to further unsettle you. As it becomes more apparent that something goes wrong each time the family stops the car. You watch with baited breath waiting to see what will happen next. And that is without mentioning the ominous presence seemingly following the family.
There are a few parts, here and there, that could be described as traditional scares. They are very minor, however, and most definitely not the focus. As mentioned above, this is a film that wants to get inside your head. This is something Dead End is very good at. If you are looking for action and jump scares, however, this is not the movie for you.
Excellent Acting
Dead End acts as something of a character study horror movie. With this in mind, it relies heavily on the fantastic performances of its lead actors. The cast here do a fantastic job. Ray Price, as father Frank, and Lin Shaye, as mother Laura, stand out. Price is absolutely fantastic as the control freak dad. He delivers Frank’s razor sharp wit with a perfect amount of bite. He also carries some of the more dramatic parts of the movie brilliantly well. Price is especially effective when dishing out insults and chastising the family.
Lin Shaye is excellent as she usually is. Laura goes through a number of personality shifts throughout the movie. Shaye does a great job with each other these and has some standout moments that will really make you laugh. Alexandra Holden, as Marion, is absolutely fine. Mick Cain as the annoying son Richard does a nice job of playing a very annoying character. Amber Smith makes a small appearance but isn’t really tasked with doing anything. All in all it is a fantastic cast that does a great job.
Should You Watch Dead End?
You should definitely watch Dead End. It might not be for everyone. Its strong comedy focus and outright bizzareness may not land with all horror fans. It seems as though some of the plot points confuse people, as well. Something which could impact enjoyment. It is worth pointing out the ending, as being something of a problem. As some will be left wanting and it is hard not to be a little frustrated at the “question mark” left there by the direction. But Dead End is just so weird it deserves attention. Funny, compelling, tense, brilliant. It is completely unique and works on so many levels. Check it out. Even if it doesn’t hit for you immediately, it will leave you thinking. A definite cult classic horror movie.
