Cody Ashford’s Drive Back is a 2024 horror-thriller that dares to explore the psychological and supernatural realms, blending suspense, dread, and existential terror into a compact yet ambitious narrative. Released in November, the film quickly gained traction among indie horror fans for its eerie premise and unsettling execution. While it offers plenty of tension and memorable moments, Drive Back struggles to fully deliver on its potential due to uneven storytelling and underdeveloped themes.
Plot Overview
The story begins with Reid (Zack Gold), a struggling comic book artist, and his fiancée Olivia (Whit Kunschik), who is pregnant with their first child. The couple is returning home after celebrating their engagement at a secluded cabin in the woods. Their relationship is strained, with unresolved conflicts simmering beneath the surface.
Things take a dark turn when their car narrowly avoids an accident on a deserted road. Stranded in unfamiliar territory, Reid and Olivia seek help at a nearby convenience store, where an eccentric clerk cryptically advises them to take a shortcut through the woods. Against their better judgment, they follow his directions and soon find themselves trapped on an endless road that defies logic and time itself.
As they drive in circles, strange occurrences begin to unravel their sense of reality. They encounter ominous hitchhikers, cryptic warnings from strangers, and chilling visions of violence that seem to bleed into their memories. To make matters worse, a masked killer begins stalking them, turning their surreal predicament into a deadly game of survival. As Reid and Olivia struggle to escape the nightmare, they are forced to confront not only external threats but also the buried secrets and fears that haunt their relationship.
Strengths
1. Atmosphere and Visuals
One of Drive Back’s standout qualities is its ability to create an oppressive atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge throughout its runtime. The cinematography captures the isolation of the endless road with haunting precision—dimly lit forests, foggy highways, and shadowy figures lurking in the background all contribute to the film’s unsettling tone. The sound design is equally effective, using eerie ambient noises and sudden bursts of discordant music to heighten tension.
2. Performances
Zack Gold delivers a compelling performance as Reid, portraying a man grappling with guilt, fear, and frustration as his grip on reality starts to slip. Whit Kunschik shines as Olivia, balancing vulnerability with resilience as she fights to protect herself and her unborn child. The chemistry between the two leads feels authentic, making their emotional struggles resonate even amidst the chaos of their situation.
3. Pacing in Key Moments
Once the supernatural elements are introduced, Drive Back maintains a brisk pace that keeps viewers engaged. The film’s second act is packed with suspenseful encounters—from eerie hitchhikers who seem to know too much about Reid’s past to violent confrontations with the masked killer—that ensure there’s never a dull moment.
4. Intriguing Concept
The idea of being trapped on an endless road where time loops and reality distorts is undeniably compelling. It evokes comparisons to classic psychological horror like The Twilight Zone or films such as Triangle (2009). The surreal nature of the couple’s predicament raises intriguing questions about fate, memory, and guilt—though these themes are only partially explored.
Weaknesses
1. Disjointed Narrative
While Drive Back sets up an intriguing premise, its execution leaves much to be desired in terms of narrative coherence. The mechanics behind the supernatural trap are never fully explained, leaving viewers with more questions than answers by the end of the film. While ambiguity can work in horror when handled well (The Witch, Hereditary), here it feels more like missed opportunities than intentional mystery.
2. Repetition
Certain scenes feel repetitive and unnecessarily drawn out—particularly moments where Reid and Olivia argue or reflect on their relationship woes. While these interactions are meant to add emotional depth, they often feel redundant and detract from the tension rather than enhancing it.
3. Frustrating Character Decisions
One common pitfall in horror films is characters making illogical choices that put them in danger—and unfortunately, Drive Back falls victim to this trope more than once. Reid’s stubbornness and impulsive actions often feel contrived rather than organic, which can be frustrating for viewers who expect more grounded behavior from protagonists in dire situations.
4. Underdeveloped Themes
The film hints at deeper themes—such as guilt over past mistakes, fear of impending parenthood, and the fragility of human relationships—but fails to explore them in meaningful ways. These thematic threads remain largely surface-level, leaving viewers yearning for greater emotional resonance.
Final Thoughts
Cody Ashford’s Drive Back is a mixed bag—a horror-thriller that excels in creating tension but falters when it comes to delivering a cohesive narrative or exploring its themes in depth. Its atmospheric visuals and strong performances make it worth watching for fans of psychological horror or surreal storytelling, but its lack of clarity may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied.
For genre enthusiasts who appreciate films that prioritize mood over answers—or those who enjoy stories reminiscent of The Twilight Zone—Drive Back offers enough chills and thrills to warrant a viewing. However, if you’re looking for a tightly written story with satisfying resolutions or profound commentary on human nature, this might not be your best bet.
Ultimately, Drive Back feels like a movie that could have been great but settles for being merely good—a solid effort that leaves room for improvement in future projects from Cody Ashford.
Rating: 4/5
While it has its flaws, Drive Back delivers enough suspenseful moments and eerie visuals to make it worth checking out—especially for fans of indie horror looking for something offbeat yet entertaining!
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