Ever since THN first saw A Desert at TriBeCa 2024, we have been unable to shake it from our head. Written and directed by Joshua Erkman, A Desert is a neo-noir with a loose and twisted narrative structure akin to jazz. It’s not a film for everyone, but was certainly one for us, and we were thrilled when our prediction came true and A Desert was scooped up to play at this year’s Pigeon Shrine FrightFest.
The exciting and powerful feature debut from Joshua Erkman is a dark study in haunting nihilism, recalling 1970’s independent noir cinema. Driving across the American Southwest, struggling photographer Alex (Kai Lennox) is hoping to revive his career and find inspiration within the vast landscape of deserts and abandoned roadside structures. A pit stop at an otherwise inconspicuous motel alters his plans, thanks to a younger couple whose devil-may-care attitude initially attracts Alex but quickly proves to be something more dangerous than he thought. Before long, what began as a restorative road trip descends into a nightmare that spirals beyond his control.
To celebrate A Desert’s European premiere, writer and director Joshua Erkman, and star Ashley Smith, were in attendance at FrightFest. Considering how we’ve been unable to stop thinking about A Desert for the last few months, THN jumped at the chance to fire some questions in their direction during their time visiting the media line. We spoke to both Joshua Erkman and Ashley Smith about what drew them to this idea, capturing the heat of the desert on film, and how Alabama Worley became a point of reference for the character of Susie Q. Watch the media wall video interviews in full now.
A Desert screened at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest. News of future screenings and a UK release are still to be confirmed.
