Watch Southbound

Southbound is a 2015 horror anthology movie that takes place in a desolate stretch of the American Southwest. The film follows five interwoven stories that ultimately explore the dark and twisted corners of human existence. The first story, titled "The Way In," centers around two men, Mitch and Jack, who find themselves lost on a deserted road. They stumble upon a seemingly abandoned house, but quickly realize that something sinister is lurking inside. The second story, "Siren," follows three friends on a road trip to a music festival. When their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, they soon discover that they are not alone in the desert. In "The Accident," a man named Lucas hits a woman with his car and flees the scene out of fear. He soon discovers that his past misdeeds have caught up with him in a horrifying way. "Jailbreak" follows a group of escapees from a mysterious prison as they make their way through the desert, constantly pursued by a faceless entity known only as "The Dunes." Finally, "The Way Out" tells the story of a family on their way to a new home in the desert, but their GPS takes them on an unexpected detour. Throughout Southbound, each story is presented in a non-linear fashion, with characters often crossing paths and playing multiple roles throughout the movie. Despite this unconventional storytelling approach, however, the film manages to maintain a consistent tone of eerie unease, building to a shocking and satisfying conclusion. One of the most impressive aspects of Southbound is the way that it manages to create a cohesive world despite featuring five distinct stories. From the highway signs to the locations themselves, everything is carefully crafted to feel part of the same desolate landscape. The film's use of practical effects and haunting sound design also help to ground the horror elements in a tangible reality, making the scares all the more effective. While some of the stories in Southbound are stronger than others, each is given enough time to develop its characters and atmosphere. The standout performances come from Kristina Pesic and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, who both deliver chilling performances that stick with the viewer long after the credits roll. Overall, Southbound is a must-see for horror fans who appreciate creative storytelling and effective scares. The film may not be for everyone, as its non-linear structure and subtle approach to terror may not appeal to all audiences. However, those who are willing to give it a chance will find themselves rewarded with a unique and truly unsettling cinematic experience.