Deserted

Deserted is an intense survival drama that was released in the year 2016. Directed by Ashley Avis, the movie stars Mischa Barton, best known for her role in the hit early 2000s TV show, "The O.C.", alongside Jackson Davis and Winter Ave Zoli.

Mischa Barton plays the lead role of Jae, a troubled young woman who carries a dark past and has just been released from prison. The narrative initially focuses on her as she attempts to reintegrate herself into the world and make sense of her individual journey. She decides to set off on a trip with her brother Robin, played by Jackson Davis, and a group of his friends. The trip, they hope, will be a bonding and healing experience for everyone involved.

As the storyline progresses, the group's destination is revealed: they plan to attend “the Burning Man”, an annual festival held in the vast emptiness of Nevada's Black Rock Desert. The crew sets off eagerly, blasé about the potential dangers that such a trip to scorching, barren landscape could hold. Winter Ave Zoli plays Vee, one of the friends accompanying Jae and her brother. Her portrayal adds an interesting dynamic to the group, comprising various unique, vibrant characters.

Despite the excitement, things take a turn for the worse when their car unexpectedly breaks down, leaving them stranded in the middle of a desolate desert. With no sign of any help coming, the group is left with no other option than to face the unbearable heat and tough desert conditions. They quickly realize the magnitude of their predicament – the harsh desert is a relentless adversary, and their water and food supplies are dwindling dangerously.

Deserted shines in its exploration of human rationale and will under duress. The group, initially united, begins to fracture under the mounting stress and fear for their lives. Conflicts arise, fueled by desperation, deceit, and paranoia. The confrontations add an intense, psychological angle to the survival drama, providing a stimulating insight into each character’s internal struggles.

The arduous journey through the unforgiving desert also offers Jae an opportunity for self-revelation. She battles not only the harsh desert conditions, but also her internal demons and past mistakes. Mischa Barton's gripping performance leaves the viewers engaged as we watch Jae start to evolve and grow amidst the adversity.

Director Ashley Avis makes exceptional use of the stunning desert mise-en-scene to underline the thematic impact of the narrative. The cinematography captures the sprawling, desolate beauty of the desert, juxtaposing the breath-taking scenery with the characters’ fear and suffering. The vast openness of the location only serves to enhance their sense of hopelessness and vulnerability, making their predicament even more poignant.

In terms of performances, the cast delivers convincingly, bringing forth the raw emotions that such a harrowing survival scenario would naturally entice. Mischa Barton stands out with her compelling portrayal of Jae, capturing the nuanced character with all her strengths and vulnerabilities.

In summary, Deserted is a gripping survival drama that explores intense human emotions and the human instinct to survive in harsh environments. The story maintains the suspense, ensuring the viewers remain gripped to their screens, eager to know the characters' fate. Coupled with impressive performances and stunning visuals, Deserted proves to be a thought-provoking film that holds your interest and evokes empathy for its complex characters.