Desperation Road

Desperation Road

Year: 2023

Runtime: 1 h 52 m

Language: English

Director: Nadine Crocker

ActionThriller

A mother and daughter struggle to survive in rural Mississippi, finding themselves caught in a dangerous conflict. Deep-seated rivalries and violent acts escalate, creating a tense atmosphere of retribution and threatening their safety. They must navigate a landscape of whiskey-fueled animosity and deadly vendettas in a desperate fight for survival.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Desperation Road (2023)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Desperation Road (2023). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary (present day)

The events occur in the modern era, reflecting current societal issues such as police misconduct, criminal consequences, and personal redemption. The setting aligns with current times through the depiction of modern vehicles, law enforcement tactics, and characters' dialogue, anchoring the story in a realistic, contemporary landscape.

Location

Small-town motel, Mitchell's house, Highway, Police barricade

The movie takes place mainly in a small-town setting with familiar locations like a motel and Mitchell's residence, emphasizing a close-knit community atmosphere. The highway scenes depict rural roads that serve as crucial points for the characters' escapes and confrontations. Law enforcement presence underscores themes of justice and pursuit, while the overall environment reflects everyday Americana turned intense.

🏘️ Small-town 🚓 Law enforcement 🛣️ Highway 🏡 Domestic

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:59

Main Characters – Desperation Road (2023)

Meet the key characters of Desperation Road (2023), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Maben (Katy Bodenhamer)

A determined mother willing to risk everything for her daughter, Maben embodies resilience in the face of adversity. Her experiences reveal a complex blend of vulnerability and strength, driven by love and desperation to survive and protect her child.

👩‍👧‍👦 Protective 💪 Resilient 🚶‍♀️ Survivist

Russell (Garrett Hedlund)

A man haunted by past mistakes who seeks redemption, Russell is tough yet compassionate. His internal conflict and willingness to help strangers reflect his desire for atonement and a fresh start, despite the violent environment around him.

🎖️ Troubled 🤝 Redeemed 🎯 Protector

Larry (Ryan Hurst)

An emotionally troubled man driven by revenge, Larry’s obsession leads to destructive behaviors. His inability to find peace exemplifies the tragic consequences of obsession and unresolved grief.

🔪 Vengeful 😢 Sad 👤 Troubled

Mitchell (Mel Gibson)

Russell’s father, a former figure of guidance and support, offers a glimpse into a past where family bonds tried to withstand hardships. His protective attitude indicates a desire to support his son through his troubled journey.

👨‍👦 Supportive 🛡️ Protector 🏠 Family man

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:59

Major Themes – Desperation Road (2023)

Explore the central themes of Desperation Road (2023), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔥 Redemption

The film explores personal redemption through characters seeking salvation after wrongful acts and past mistakes. Russell’s attempt to make amends and protect others highlights a desire for atonement. Maben’s resilience and Russell’s sacrifice underscore themes of redemption amid violence and moral ambiguity.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is a central theme, depicted in the characters' pursuit of fairness amid corruption, violence, and revenge. The police violence, Larry’s obsession with revenge, and Russell’s moral dilemmas illustrate the complex and often flawed nature of justice in a small-town environment.

🌧️ Struggle

Characters face emotional and physical struggles stemming from crime, violence, and personal loss. Maben’s desperation for survival, Russell’s internal conflict with his past, and Larry’s relentless pursuit of vengeance highlight the intense human battles within harsh circumstances and societal rejection.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:59

Unlock the Full Story of Desperation Road

Don't stop at just watching — explore Desperation Road in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Desperation Road is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Desperation Road Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Desperation Road, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Desperation Road Summary

Desperation Road Timeline

Track the full timeline of Desperation Road with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Desperation Road Timeline

Desperation Road Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Desperation Road that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Desperation Road Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Desperation Road

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Desperation Road: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Desperation Road

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