Year: 2013
Runtime: 87 min
Language: German
Director: William Dickerson
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.
Get a spoiler-free look at Detour (2013) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a landscape where the earth can turn hostile in an instant, a sudden mudslide buries a lone vehicle deep beneath the surface, sealing the driver inside a cramped, dimly lit tomb. The film opens with a stark contrast between the expansive, unforgiving wilderness outside and the suffocating, improvised shelter of metal and mud inside the Jeep, setting a tone that is as much about psychological tension as it is about physical danger. The world feels raw and indifferent, a place where survival hinges on ingenuity and the ability to confront one’s own inner limits.
Jackson Alder is a charismatic con artist whose smooth‑talking exterior masks a restless drive to outwit any situation. His reputation for relying on charm and quick thinking has kept him afloat in a life of risky schemes, but the entombed setting forces him to reckon with a different kind of challenge—one that cannot be bought, charmed, or talked out of. As the mud presses in, his resourcefulness is tested, revealing a character who must dig deeper than his usual tricks, balancing confidence with a dawning humility.
The film’s tone hovers between relentless suspense and a quiet, introspective melancholy, highlighted by the interplay of muffled sounds from above and the echoing drip of water inside the car. The surrounding disaster becomes a silent antagonist, a relentless force that pushes the protagonist toward self‑discovery as much as it threatens his very breath. Through atmospheric cinematography and a focus on the stark, claustrophobic interior, the story promises a gripping portrait of a man forced to trade his usual deceptions for raw determination, hinting at a journey where survival is as much an inner battle as an external one.
Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 13:28
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Films about people pitted against overwhelming natural forces in confined spaces.If you liked the high-stakes survival scenario in Detour, explore more movies like it. These films feature characters battling natural disasters and extreme environments while confined, creating a tense and desperate viewing experience focused on raw human endurance.
Stories in this thread typically follow a linear, goal-oriented structure: a character or small group becomes unexpectedly trapped by a natural event. The narrative progresses through their sequential attempts to escape or endure, facing escalating physical and psychological challenges in a race against time.
These movies are grouped by their shared setting of confinement within a vast, hostile natural world. They deliver a consistent vibe of high-intensity tension and desperation, focusing on the visceral, moment-to-moment struggle for survival, often with a heavy emotional weight and a focus on human resilience.
Stories focusing on the grueling mental and physical journey of a lone survivor.For viewers who appreciated the solo endurance journey in Detour, this list curates similar movies about one character's heavy physical and psychological struggle. These stories explore the limits of human will and the profound cost of survival when faced alone.
The narrative pattern is an intimate character study under duress. A solitary protagonist is pushed to their absolute limits by a sustained crisis. The story documents their deteriorating physical state, fluctuating hope, and internal monologue, leading to a climax that tests their spirit as much as their body, often resulting in a bittersweet or ambivalent victory.
These films are connected by their deep focus on a single character's harrowing experience. They share a heavy emotional weight, a steady pacing that mirrors the grueling passage of time, and a tone that blends tension with profound melancholy, creating a powerful and introspective viewing experience.
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.
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.
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.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Detour. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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.
Discover movies like Detour that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Detour (2013) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Detour (2013) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Detour (2013) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Detour – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Deliverance (1972) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Detour (2017) Film Overview & Timeline
Breakdown (1997) Film Overview & Timeline
Scenic Route (2013) Detailed Story Recap
The Road (2009) Story Summary & Characters
Desperation (2006) Complete Plot Breakdown
Detour (2003) Movie Recap & Themes
Detour (1992) Story Summary & Characters
Climax (2020) Full Movie Breakdown
Reroute (2022) Complete Plot Breakdown
Climax (2020) Full Summary & Key Details
Texas Detour (1978) Story Summary & Characters
Detour (1945) Film Overview & Timeline
Deadfall Trail (2009) Movie Recap & Themes
Detour (1967) Ending Explained & Film Insights