Far From Home

Far From Home is a riveting 1989 thriller that combines elements of suspense and mystery with emotionally charged performances. Directed by Meiert Avis, a well-known figure in the music video industry, the film stars Matt Frewer, Drew Barrymore and Richard Masur.

The central narrative revolves around Charlie Cox (played by Matt Frewer) and his teenage daughter Joleen (played by Drew Barrymore). They are cross-country travelers who accidentally become caught up in a chilling series of occurrences in an isolated Nevada town. They are aware of many mysterious disappearances happening within this eerie town, inducing an atmosphere of lurking danger which sets the backdrop of the entire plot.

Being short of cash, Charlie Cox decides to take a job in the desolate town, initially planned as a stop-gap before they continue their journey. They end up staying at a vacant trailer park owned by a friendly but seemingly creepy character named Duckett (played by Richard Masur). Amidst this seemingly innocuous background, mysterious and ominous events begin to unfold, enhancing the intense spine-chilling atmosphere.

Matt Frewer, known for his role in Max Headroom, brilliantly portrays the father’s role where he struggles to navigate an increasingly hostile environment while also keeping his teen daughter safe. His performance beautifully captures the spirit of a man tormented by his current circumstances and the impending dangers that seem to lurk around every corner.

At the other end of this dynamic duo, Drew Barrymore's portrayal of the teenage daughter, Joleen, further enhances the dramatic intensity in Far From Home. As an actress who'd gained fame from her roles in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Firestarter, Barrymore continues to garner admiration for her acting repertoire. As Joleen, she displays her ability to portray the innocence and vulnerability of a teenager, while also impressively showing the courageous characteristics of a young woman caught in a dire situation.

Rounding off the trio, Richard Masur, a staple in the film industry, delivers an exceptional performance as Duckett. His role is pivotal, providing an intriguing mix of personalities that oscillate between overt friendliness and latent creepiness. Through his portrayal, audiences are left in a constant state of suspense and intrigue, which very much resonates with the vein of the movie.

The director successfully presents a blended atmosphere of a road trip movie layered with thrills and chills of a classic horror movie, with stunning visuals set against the remote and starkly beautiful landscape of a desert town.

Far From Home effectively leverages the isolating and hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the Nevada desert to accentuate the movie’s suspenseful narrative. The film wonderfully encapsulates the larger-than-life American landscapes against a suspense-filled narrative, thus creating an offbeat cinematic experience that lies between the beauty of the unknown and traditional horror stories.

Contributing to the film's intense aura is a story written by Theodore Gershuny and Tommy Lee Wallace, both of who are no stranger to horror and suspense genre. Their writing is filled with tension, effectively building narrative intrigue where paranoia and fear creep upon the audience as the story unfolds.

The movie's musically driven soundscape, provided by Jonathan Elias, is another master stroke. The eerie tones and the well-timed sound effects contribute to creating an impending sense of doom that highlights the suspense and mystery elements of the film.

In the end, Far From Home serves as a treat for fans of suspense with its elaborately spun narrative of mystery, suspense, and captivating performances. It offers an engaging watch that keeps its audience on the edge of their seats, skillfully building up to a climax that leaves them in a pulse-racing conundrum of fear and intrigue. This is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good, suspenseful thriller filled with unexpected twists and turns, and the performances of a well-rounded cast.