Horror in the High Desert 3: Firewatch

Horror in the High Desert 3: Firewatch (2024)

Runtime: 88 minutes

Directed by: Dutch Marich

Starring: Suziey Block, Marco Antonio Parra, David Morales, Tonya William Ogden, Laurie Felix Bass

From: Luminol Entertainment

For those that like the Mr. Ballen vibes of spooky supernatural happenings in remote locations… last year I reviewed the first Horror in the High Desert, then several years ago the second picture. Desert is a series of found-footage films concerning people vanishing in the High Desert area of eastern Nevada, where there are large swaths of areas barren of lifeforms. The antagonists have the appearance of weirdos living off the grid, but as the finale implies, they could be something else—I’m unsure of that direction they took in the finale although perhaps it will become better in future installments w/ further explanation.

The franchise won’t be for all tastes—it has measured pacing and long scenes where a threat is present but the villain might not appear. Typically, that won’t bother me, as long as I have at least some investment in the story. In Firewatch (named because there’s wildfires in the western half of Nevada; it’s an explanation for how our protagonist Oscar can easily wander around private property) I’d like to watch Oscar’s mouth out with soap but otherwise he’s sympathetic… homeboy had prior substance abuse and mental health struggles.

More backstory is provided concerning the villains; Oscar attempts to find Gary Hinge, the missing hiker chronicled in the first film. Expect drone shots, and wandering around more abandoned mines & buildings than is reasonably safe for the average person. I could nitpick various aspects-such as a score that could be overbearing at times-yet I’ll be positive instead. There was plenty of suspense during those long scenes in anticipation, in areas that are still scenic.

A fourth film has been announced although a release date (not even a release year) has been announced as of yet.