Directed by Roze and starring a spectacular cast of lesser known actors, Deadfall Trail is the psychodrama horror movie that movie buffs have been patiently waiting for. The film was shot in Tempe, Arizona. The lead roles in the movie are played by Cavin Gray Schneider, Shane Dean, and Slade Hall.
Along with his title of director, Roze also wore the hat of writer and producer of this film. The film is very much like the blockbuster horror flick, Deliverance. Its profane amount of graphic images, like bug eating and urine drinking, along with the nudity, violence, and profanity all lend to its well deserving R-rating.
The story starts with the three main characters, Paul, John, and Julian going the Kaibab National Forest in Arizona for a three week trip that is supposed to be focused on survival. This no frills and no fun trip requires that the three participants only travel with one bottle of drinking water, a single garbage bag, and a hunting knife. Their survival during the three week trip will be determined solely by their instincts, their wits, their strength, and each guy’s ability to live off of the land.
At the beginning of the adventure, the personalities of the three boys begin to show immediately. John, being that he has survived a similar trip, emerges as the leader. Julian, who has also shared a similar experience with John, acts as his second in command. It is Paul’s first time attempting any type of trip like this. He is excited but his lack of expertise troubles Julian. John is confident that Paul is up to the task.
There is nothing out of the ordinary about the beginning of the trip. Everything is going just as planned. Paul is very inexperienced but it is his supreme confidence in his own abilities that leads the group into some tough situations. Thankfully, these little situations are not something that the boys cannot take care of or get out of. Still, Julian continues to be irritated and angered by Paul’s presence on the survival trip. John is the only one who can keep the two of them apart and keep everyone from losing focus.
Paul has only agreed to risk his life on a three week survival hike in the desert for one reason. That reason is a small cactus plant called peyote. When ingested, the effects of the plant resemble psychedelic drug. It also makes a person thirsty. Because they only have three bottles of water, Julian and John urge Paul to wait to take the drug until they can find a better water source. Paul does not heed his friends’ advice.
This would not be a horror flick if everything went totally fine. Of course, crazy bad things start to happen to the boys after they take the peyote. The film really begins to pick up the intensity and pace as the characters begin to capture the audience’s attention. This film will have views wondering if any of the three boys will survive the strange adventure and if so, who it will be.
Deadfall Trail is a pretty good movie. It may never me the criteria to be considered one of Hollywood’s great horror movie classics. However, it is a well written and intriguing film. The acting is up to par and the characters are well developed. It is a movie that teenage boys and young adult males will definitely enjoy. It is entertaining and perfect for movie night.