Desierto 2016
Directed by
Jonás Cuarón
Made by
STX Entertainment
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Desierto (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The film begins with a group of Hispanic immigrants traveling in the back of a truck, their journey towards the American border abruptly halted when the vehicle breaks down. The drivers, seemingly clueless about the mechanical issues, request assistance from the passengers. Among them is Moises, who, despite claiming to be a mechanic, is unable to repair the truck. With no choice left, the drivers instruct the immigrants to disembark and head towards America on foot.
At the same time, Sam is out on a drive with his trusty dog, Tracker. Stopping to hunt for rabbits, he successfully takes down one with his sniper rifle, unknowingly alerting the immigrants nearby. As they scatter and seek shelter among the cacti and tumbleweeds, Moises notices unsettling behavior from a fellow immigrant towards a woman named Adela. Recognizing her discomfort, Moises cleverly diverts the man’s attention, protecting Adela from further advances.
Later, while driving, Sam encounters a border patrol agent who casually dismisses the need for permits to hunt rabbits. Their conversation reveals Sam’s prior reports about illegal immigrant tracks, met with skepticism from the agent. Smugly, Sam mutters “course not” under his breath as he drives away, determined to pursue the immigrants even further.
Resuming his hunt, Sam picks up the trail and instructs Tracker to follow the scent. The group of immigrants, however, has split into two, with Moises and Adela lagging behind. Luck turns against them when they spot Sam approaching. As the ruthless hunt unfolds, Sam picks off members of the first group, including the man who harassed Adela, coldly declaring, > “Welcome to the Land of the Free.”
In a desperate bid for survival, Moises and his companions flee, but Tracker is relentless. He swiftly tracks down one lagging immigrant, attacking him ferociously while Moises watches in horror. With their options dwindling, Moises and Adela attempt to navigate treacherous rocky terrains to evade the pursuing dog, fully aware that time is running out.
As the tension escalates and the stakes rise, Sam grows more violent. He pursues Moises and the remaining immigrants, killing those who cannot keep pace. In a dramatic bid for life, Moises wields a flare gun from the first aid kit he salvaged from Sam’s truck to fend off Tracker, the chase intensifying as night falls.
With a mix of quick thinking and sheer determination, Moises battles through the harsh desert landscape, striving to save both himself and Adela. Their harrowing escape leads to a climactic struggle with Sam, where Moises, faced with the choice of mercy or survival, decides his own fate over Sam’s plea for life. The movie captures the extremes of desperation and resilience, offering a gripping portrayal of the immigrant experience in the unforgiving desert, culminating with Moises’ arduous trek towards hope as he carries Adela, elusive lights of civilization flickering in the distance as the screen fades to black.
Timeline
Track the key events of Desierto (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Immigrants' Journey Begins
A group of Hispanic immigrants embarks on a dangerous journey towards the American border, traveling uncomfortably in the back of a truck. Their hopes for a better life are high as they set off, filled with dreams of what lies ahead.
Truck Breakdown
The journey takes an unexpected turn when the truck breaks down, halting their progress. The drivers, clearly out of their depth, ask the passengers for help, which leads to an urgent need for a plan to continue their journey.
Moises' Attempt to Help
Among the immigrants, Moises claims to have mechanical skills but ultimately proves unable to fix the truck. With no alternatives left, the drivers instruct everyone to leave the vehicle and continue towards the border on foot, marking a pivotal moment in their journey.
Sam the Hunter
Cutting to a parallel storyline, Sam is driving with his dog Tracker and stops to hunt rabbits. He successfully shoots one with a sniper rifle, which unwittingly alerts the nearby immigrants to his presence.
Moises Protects Adela
As the immigrants scatter to avoid detection, Moises notices a fellow immigrant behaving inappropriately towards a woman named Adela. Quick-thinking Moises steps in to divert the man's attention, ensuring Adela's safety in a tense moment.
Border Patrol Encounter
While on his hunt, Sam bumps into a border patrol agent who dismisses his concerns about illegal immigrant tracks. Sam's frustration becomes evident, revealing his determination to hunt down the immigrants despite receiving skepticism from law enforcement.
The Divide in the Immigrant Group
As Sam resumes his hunting, the immigrant group splits into two, with Moises and Adela falling behind. The stakes rise as they become more vulnerable to Sam's relentless pursuit, turning their survival into a desperate race.
Sam's Ruthless Pursuit
As Sam targets the immigrants, he coldly kills the assailant who previously harassed Adela, taunting them with the phrase, 'Welcome to the Land of the Free.' This chilling moment underscores the brutality of the manhunt unfolding.
Fleeing for Survival
In a frantic attempt to escape, Moises and his companions navigate the rocky terrain, fully aware that Tracker is hot on their trail. The urgency of their situation grows as they face off against the merciless dog, a formidable adversary.
Nightfall and Rising Tension
As darkness descends over the desert landscape, the tension reaches a boiling point. Sam's violence escalates as he relentlessly hunts down the immigrants, leaving a trail of desperation in his wake.
Moises' Desperate Defense
In a risky gamble for survival, Moises uses a flare gun he salvaged from Sam's truck to ward off Tracker. This moment marks a critical turning point as they fight to evade capture under the cover of night.
Climactic Confrontation
In a face-off against Sam, Moises experiences a moment of reckoning between mercy and survival. As tensions peak, he must decide whether to spare Sam or ensure his own fate, highlighting the extreme pressures faced during their escape.
Escape to Hope
With sheer willpower, Moises and Adela continue their flight through the harsh desert. The film captures their journey as they approach the flickering lights of civilization, symbolizing hope against all odds.
The Final Fade to Black
As Moises carries Adela toward the distant lights, the screen fades to black, representing the enduring human struggle for safety and a better life. The film concludes with their arduous trek emphasizing resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Desierto (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Moises (Gael García Bernal)
Moises is a determined and resourceful immigrant who symbolizes resilience and hope. Throughout the film, he demonstrates quick thinking and courage in the face of life-threatening danger, driven by a strong moral compass to protect those around him. His journey embodies the struggles and hardships faced by many seeking a better life.
Adela (Alondra Hidalgo)
Adela is a vulnerable yet strong character who becomes a focal point of Moises' protective instincts. Her experiences highlight the challenges faced by female immigrants and the societal threats they encounter. Adela's character illustrates resilience amid the chaos surrounding their desperate escape.
Sam (Jeffrey Dean Morgan)
Sam is a ruthless character whose hunt for the immigrants reveals a darker side of humanity. His cold determination and lack of empathy for his prey showcase the extremes of human nature and the moral decay surrounding border issues. As the antagonist, Sam adds tension and urgency to the story.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Desierto (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film does not specify a particular time period, but it reflects contemporary issues surrounding immigration. The tensions depicted resonate with current societal challenges and the ongoing discourse about borders and human rights.
Location
Desert, American border
The movie is set in a harsh desert landscape near the American border, known for its extreme weather and rugged terrain. This unforgiving environment symbolizes both the peril and the hopes of those seeking a better life. The vast emptiness amplifies the tension and desperation of the immigrants during their perilous journey.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Desierto (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Survival
Survival is the central theme of 'Desierto', depicting the lengths to which individuals go to stay alive. The intense chase between Moises and Sam illustrates the brutal reality faced by immigrants in pursuit of safety. The film starkly contrasts the dire situation of the desperate immigrants against the cold violence of their pursuer.
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Solidarity
Solidarity among the immigrants emerges as a critical theme throughout the film. Moises' protective actions towards Adela highlight the importance of camaraderie in the face of adversity. Their bond represents hope and humanity amidst the chaos and danger surrounding them.
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Justice
The theme of justice is explored through the characters' interactions and the moral dilemmas faced by Moises. As he confronts Sam, the notion of justice becomes intertwined with the quest for survival, leading to a haunting exploration of ethics in life-and-death situations.
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