Detour

Detour

Year: 2013

Runtime: 87 min

Language: German

Director: William Dickerson

Thriller

Jackson Alder, a charismatic con artist, finds his life irrevocably changed when a massive mudslide traps him inside his vehicle. Stranded and facing dwindling hope of rescue, he’s forced to rely on more than just his charm to survive. As time runs out, he must confront his own limitations and battle the relentless power of the natural disaster unfolding around him.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Detour (2013)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Detour (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present-day

The events occur in contemporary times, using modern gadgets, vehicles, and everyday items. The protagonist improvises with a credit card, tape, a belt, and a spare tire, indicating a modern, 21st-century setting. There is no indication of historical period or futuristic tech, grounding the narrative in the current era.

Location

The story unfolds around a modern setting where a vehicle is buried by a mudslide, with the city visible beyond the danger. The setting blends rugged terrain prone to mudslides with proximal urban scenery, suggesting a semi-rural area near an urban center. The environment shifts from claustrophobic confinement to potential rescue, underscored by the distant glow of the city skyline.

🏙️ City backdrop 🏔️ Mountainous outskirts 🏞️ Open terrain

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:55

Main Characters – Detour (2013)

Meet the key characters of Detour (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jackson Alder

A determined, resourceful individual who remains calm under extreme pressure. He improvises survival techniques, uses creativity and perseverance to calculate his depth underground, create air, and eventually escape through the sunroof. His resolve to survive drives the action as he endures physical pain and fear.

💪 Determined 🧠 Resourceful 🧯 Courage under pressure

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:55

Major Themes – Detour (2013)

Explore the central themes of Detour (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧭 Survival

Jackson Alder demonstrates relentless resourcefulness as he searches for a way to escape. He repurposes items found inside the car to create air, measure depth, and fashion improvised tools. The narrative centers on human tenacity when physical safety is compromised, and every decision could be life-saving.

🧱 Isolation

Trapped inside a confined space, the character confronts claustrophobia and the mental strain of impending danger. The mud, the limited water, and the shrinking airspace intensify tension and force a turn inward toward focus, prayers, and self-reliance.

🔧 Ingenuity

The escape hinges on rapid, practical problem solving. The use of a sunroof, a pole, a makeshift smoke signal, and improvised devices illustrates how a person can convert limited resources into survival tools, showcasing practical creativity under pressure.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:55

Unlock the Full Story of Detour

Don't stop at just watching — explore Detour 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 Detour is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Detour Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Detour, 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.

Detour Summary

Detour Timeline

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

Detour Timeline

Detour Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Detour 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.

Detour Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Detour

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Detour: 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 Detour

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