Writer-director Brett Wagner’s movie focuses on two young families who go on a trip to a remote part of Texas. Instead of having a relaxing time, they encounter unexpected challenges.
The Big Bend is set in West Texas, known for its striking and sometimes eerie beauty with cliffs, canyons, and abandoned towns. This setting isn’t just a backdrop; it deeply influences the story. The film revolves around two couples from New Jersey and their school-age kids on a holiday visit to friends who live in a renovated adobe house on a large piece of land filled with cacti and scrub.
The tension begins early as secrets and strained relationships emerge among the characters. Cory and Melanie, the main couple, have their own issues, while their friends Mac and Georgia struggle with their own problems. As the story unfolds, the children form friendships, exploring the wilderness around them.
The movie captures the starkness and isolation of West Texas through stunning cinematography, highlighting the emotional challenges faced by each character. Despite some dramatic events, the film ultimately explores themes of resilience and connection amidst adversity.