The Last Stop in Yuma County

If you're into gritty, slow-burn thrillers with a neo-Western vibe, The Last Stop in Yuma County might just be your next favorite watch. Set in the dusty isolation of 1970s Arizona, this crime thriller kicks off when a traveling knife salesman finds himself stranded at a remote gas station waiting for a fuel truck that’s never going to arrive. Things take a sharp turn when two bank robbers show up in a suspiciously familiar green Pinto, dragging everyone at the nearby diner into a tense hostage situation.

The film is the feature debut of writer-director Francis Galluppi, and it’s clear he poured his heart into it. Shot over just 20 days on a modest $1 million budget, the movie makes the most of its single-location setup, building suspense through tight storytelling and a strong ensemble cast. Jim Cummings, Jocelin Donahue, Richard Brake, Faizon Love, and Michael Abbott Jr. all bring something unique to the table, adding layers to a story that’s as much about human desperation as it is about crime.

What makes The Last Stop in Yuma County stand out is its smart pacing and the way it plays with genre expectations. It’s not just a shootout waiting to happen—it’s a pressure cooker of mistrust, survival instincts, and moral ambiguity. If you enjoy films where tension simmers just beneath the surface before boiling over, this one’s for you.

That said, if you're looking for fast-paced action or big-budget spectacle, this might not hit the mark. The film leans more into atmosphere and character-driven suspense than explosive set pieces. But for fans of tightly wound thrillers with a Western edge, it’s a rewarding ride.

Critics have been loving it too. With a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and praise for its clever twists and taut construction, it’s clear Galluppi has made a strong first impression. Even Sam Raimi took notice, reportedly tapping Galluppi for a future Evil Dead project.

The Last Stop in Yuma County is now available on digital platforms and Blu-ray, complete with behind-the-scenes extras and commentary tracks. So if you're in the mood for a tense, stylish thriller that keeps you guessing, this one’s worth a stop.