Watch 3 Nights in the Desert

Three former bandmates reunite for a weekend in the desert to catch up, reminisce about the past, and possibly mend fences in the 2014 indie drama "3 Nights in the Desert." Well-respected actor Wes Bentley stars alongside Vincent Piazza and Amber Tamblyn in this character-driven story, written by Adam Chanzit and directed by Gabriel Cowan.

Taking place over the course of three nights, the film sees Bentley's character, Travis, picking up his old friends Barry (Piazza) and Anna (Tamblyn) for a trip to Joshua Tree, California. Barry, who has been living in Los Angeles trying to make it as an actor, and Anna, who is adjusting to life as a new mother, are hesitant to see Travis again due to his previous struggles with addiction. But after some awkward small talk, the trio loosens up, and they begin to rekindle their friendship.

As they camp out in the desert, the three engage in conversations that range from silly to profound. They talk about everything from their teenage dreams of being rock stars to their current struggles with work, relationships, and life in general. They drink, they smoke, and they dance around a campfire. They even meet a wanderer named Delores, played by the legendary actress and activist Alia Shawkat, who adds another dimension to their weekend with her unique perspective on life.

Despite the camaraderie that the three old friends share, tensions arise as they delve deeper into their past. Barry and Anna blame Travis for the band's failure and for his own personal demons. Travis, in turn, deflects their criticisms and tries to get the two to recognize their own shortcomings. This leads to some uncomfortable moments and emotional confrontations that explore the complexities of friendship and betrayal.

Throughout the movie, Bentley, Piazza, and Tamblyn deliver amazing performances that draw the audience in and make them care about these characters. Bentley, who has starred in such critically acclaimed films as "American Beauty" and "Interstellar," paints a portrait of a man who's trying to come to terms with his past and find peace in his present. Piazza, a regular on the hit series "Boardwalk Empire," showcases his range as an actor, bringing both humor and pathos to his portrayal of a man who's struggling to find success in Hollywood. Tamblyn, who is known for her roles in "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and "House," brings depth and nuance to Anna, as she navigates new motherhood and the challenges that come with it.

The desert of Joshua Tree serves as more than just a backdrop for the film; it's almost another character in its own right. The vast expanses of sand and sky beautifully capture the loneliness and uncertainty that the characters are experiencing. The cinematography by Petra Korner perfectly captures the stark beauty of the landscape, and Cowan's direction allows the film to breathe and lets the actors shine.

"3 Nights in the Desert" is a slow-burn drama that unfolds over the course of the three nights, allowing the characters to develop and the audience to get to know them intimately. It's not a movie with car chases or explosions, but it doesn't need to be. The film's power comes from its honesty and its exploration of the human experience. It's a moving, heartfelt story about the bonds that tie us together and the wounds that can tear us apart.

3 Nights in the Desert is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6.