The Last Stop in Yuma County features and critiques the cinematic menace

The last stop in Yuma County is the first feature film from writer-director Francis Galluppi. The noir thriller takes place in the 1970s at a gas station in the middle of the desert. The most interesting thing is that on this day, the supply truck for the pumps has not yet arrived, which means there is no gasoline.

This isn’t good news for The Knife Salesman (Jim Cummings), who has just sold to a nearby town to see his daughter for her birthday. After discussing his predicament with the gas station owner, Vernon (Faizon Love), the knife salesman hides in the nearby restaurant, waiting for the fuel truck. Charlotte (Jocelin Donahue) is waiting for him and gives the stranded father a slice of his famous rhubarb pie to take to his child once he can leave.

As time passes, more and more wary travelers, almost out of gas, enter the restaurant. This includes Beau (Richard Brake) and Travis (Nicholas Logan), who have just knocked over a bank. For obvious reasons, they don’t necessarily want to wait too long, even if no one knows who they are yet. The deputy eventually stops for coffee, angering the criminals. Soon after, The Knife Salesman and Charlotte discover who they are. And that’s when things get deadly violent. Is anyone safe from easily angry bank robbers? Who exactly is The Knife Salesman, and why is his sales pitch so poorly timed?

“…(When) The knife salesman and Charlotte find out who they are…things get deadly violent…”

The last stop in Yuma County won’t win any awards for originality or depth of character. Everyone, even if they have secrets, is exactly who they seem. Even if a few surprises await us, the story and its characters are relatively simple. But that’s not really a bad thing.

The film is a visual treat, a masterclass in style and tension. The era of the 1970s is brought to life through authentic costumes and vintage cars. The production design of the gas station and restaurant, with its dark but welcoming atmosphere, adds to the charm. Matthew Compton’s music heightens the tension, while Mac Fisken’s cinematography elegantly captures the action and the characters’ unease, drawing the audience deeper into the narrative.

Cummings delivers an exceptional performance as the knife salesman. Its ambiguous nature cleverly keeps viewers on their toes. Donahue is endearing, making everyone hope for her survival as things begin to take a deadly turn. Brake perfectly embodies his character’s sleaze, while Logan’s portrayal of the hot-headed brother is despicable and annoying, as it should be. The supporting cast, including Barbara Crampton, also shine in their roles, adding depth to the narrative.

The last stop in Yuma County is a stylish and superb film noir with an excellent cast. Of course the story has been seen before in one way or another, but that’s beside the point. Galluppi proves he understands to show is part of the golden rule of cinema, “show, don’t tell”. As such, this is an engaging and fun watch, especially for fans of modern noir.