Written by Anna Porter. Photo courtesy of IMDb.
“The Big Bend,” directed by Brett Wagner, provided a gripping experience for the audience throughout the entirety of the film. The storyline is centered around a family visiting their friends in Big Bend, Texas. The families and their children spend the trip exploring the remote area, but everything falls apart when one of the young girls goes missing. Themes of marriage, unlikely friendships and inevitable death make this movie well-rounded.
The musical score was beautiful, with western tones that matched the visuals perfectly. The shots of Texan terrain bring the viewer into a new world, invoking a fear of the unknown, making the movie even more captivating. It was nearly impossible to sense what could come next. In many moments during the film, the audience was on the edge of their seat with suspense, but then a comedic element caused everyone to laugh. This style was enjoyable because it felt like a fresh take on storytelling with the types of plot twists and character complexities that could be found in a novel. The actors were outstanding at showcasing the feelings the characters were experiencing. Delilah Wagner, playing Fiona, was excellent at delivering witty and humorous lines, which were unexpected given the turn of events that the storyline had taken.
The film ended in a bittersweet manner after an unexpected plot twist, yet everything seemed to have fallen back into place with no loose ends. “The Big Bend” is a must-watch film, presenting the audience with the message that nothing is permanent and to appreciate your life in the present moment.
