Desierto 2016

Action

Drama

Thriller

Horror

Box Office

$4.9M

Runtime

94 min

Language

Spanish

Directed by

Jonás Cuarón

Made by

STX Entertainment

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Desierto Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Desierto (2016). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

The film begins with a group of Hispanic immigrants traveling in the back of a truck, their journey towards the American border abruptly halted when the vehicle breaks down. The drivers, seemingly clueless about the mechanical issues, request assistance from the passengers. Among them is Moises, who, despite claiming to be a mechanic, is unable to repair the truck. With no choice left, the drivers instruct the immigrants to disembark and head towards America on foot.

At the same time, Sam is out on a drive with his trusty dog, Tracker. Stopping to hunt for rabbits, he successfully takes down one with his sniper rifle, unknowingly alerting the immigrants nearby. As they scatter and seek shelter among the cacti and tumbleweeds, Moises notices unsettling behavior from a fellow immigrant towards a woman named Adela. Recognizing her discomfort, Moises cleverly diverts the man’s attention, protecting Adela from further advances.

Later, while driving, Sam encounters a border patrol agent who casually dismisses the need for permits to hunt rabbits. Their conversation reveals Sam’s prior reports about illegal immigrant tracks, met with skepticism from the agent. Smugly, Sam mutters “course not” under his breath as he drives away, determined to pursue the immigrants even further.

Resuming his hunt, Sam picks up the trail and instructs Tracker to follow the scent. The group of immigrants, however, has split into two, with Moises and Adela lagging behind. Luck turns against them when they spot Sam approaching. As the ruthless hunt unfolds, Sam picks off members of the first group, including the man who harassed Adela, coldly declaring, > “Welcome to the Land of the Free.”

In a desperate bid for survival, Moises and his companions flee, but Tracker is relentless. He swiftly tracks down one lagging immigrant, attacking him ferociously while Moises watches in horror. With their options dwindling, Moises and Adela attempt to navigate treacherous rocky terrains to evade the pursuing dog, fully aware that time is running out.

As the tension escalates and the stakes rise, Sam grows more violent. He pursues Moises and the remaining immigrants, killing those who cannot keep pace. In a dramatic bid for life, Moises wields a flare gun from the first aid kit he salvaged from Sam’s truck to fend off Tracker, the chase intensifying as night falls.

With a mix of quick thinking and sheer determination, Moises battles through the harsh desert landscape, striving to save both himself and Adela. Their harrowing escape leads to a climactic struggle with Sam, where Moises, faced with the choice of mercy or survival, decides his own fate over Sam’s plea for life. The movie captures the extremes of desperation and resilience, offering a gripping portrayal of the immigrant experience in the unforgiving desert, culminating with Moises’ arduous trek towards hope as he carries Adela, elusive lights of civilization flickering in the distance as the screen fades to black.

Desierto Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Desierto (2016) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Immigrants' Journey Begins

A group of Hispanic immigrants embarks on a dangerous journey towards the American border, traveling uncomfortably in the back of a truck. Their hopes for a better life are high as they set off, filled with dreams of what lies ahead.

Truck Breakdown

The journey takes an unexpected turn when the truck breaks down, halting their progress. The drivers, clearly out of their depth, ask the passengers for help, which leads to an urgent need for a plan to continue their journey.

Moises' Attempt to Help

Among the immigrants, Moises claims to have mechanical skills but ultimately proves unable to fix the truck. With no alternatives left, the drivers instruct everyone to leave the vehicle and continue towards the border on foot, marking a pivotal moment in their journey.

Sam the Hunter

Cutting to a parallel storyline, Sam is driving with his dog Tracker and stops to hunt rabbits. He successfully shoots one with a sniper rifle, which unwittingly alerts the nearby immigrants to his presence.

Moises Protects Adela

As the immigrants scatter to avoid detection, Moises notices a fellow immigrant behaving inappropriately towards a woman named Adela. Quick-thinking Moises steps in to divert the man's attention, ensuring Adela's safety in a tense moment.

Border Patrol Encounter

While on his hunt, Sam bumps into a border patrol agent who dismisses his concerns about illegal immigrant tracks. Sam's frustration becomes evident, revealing his determination to hunt down the immigrants despite receiving skepticism from law enforcement.

The Divide in the Immigrant Group

As Sam resumes his hunting, the immigrant group splits into two, with Moises and Adela falling behind. The stakes rise as they become more vulnerable to Sam's relentless pursuit, turning their survival into a desperate race.

Sam's Ruthless Pursuit

As Sam targets the immigrants, he coldly kills the assailant who previously harassed Adela, taunting them with the phrase, 'Welcome to the Land of the Free.' This chilling moment underscores the brutality of the manhunt unfolding.

Fleeing for Survival

In a frantic attempt to escape, Moises and his companions navigate the rocky terrain, fully aware that Tracker is hot on their trail. The urgency of their situation grows as they face off against the merciless dog, a formidable adversary.

Nightfall and Rising Tension

As darkness descends over the desert landscape, the tension reaches a boiling point. Sam's violence escalates as he relentlessly hunts down the immigrants, leaving a trail of desperation in his wake.

Moises' Desperate Defense

In a risky gamble for survival, Moises uses a flare gun he salvaged from Sam's truck to ward off Tracker. This moment marks a critical turning point as they fight to evade capture under the cover of night.

Climactic Confrontation

In a face-off against Sam, Moises experiences a moment of reckoning between mercy and survival. As tensions peak, he must decide whether to spare Sam or ensure his own fate, highlighting the extreme pressures faced during their escape.

Escape to Hope

With sheer willpower, Moises and Adela continue their flight through the harsh desert. The film captures their journey as they approach the flickering lights of civilization, symbolizing hope against all odds.

The Final Fade to Black

As Moises carries Adela toward the distant lights, the screen fades to black, representing the enduring human struggle for safety and a better life. The film concludes with their arduous trek emphasizing resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Desierto Characters

Explore all characters from Desierto (2016). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Moises (Gael García Bernal)

Moises is a determined and resourceful immigrant who symbolizes resilience and hope. Throughout the film, he demonstrates quick thinking and courage in the face of life-threatening danger, driven by a strong moral compass to protect those around him. His journey embodies the struggles and hardships faced by many seeking a better life.

🧑‍🌾 Immigrant 🛡️ Protector 🦸‍♂️ Resourceful

Adela (Alondra Hidalgo)

Adela is a vulnerable yet strong character who becomes a focal point of Moises' protective instincts. Her experiences highlight the challenges faced by female immigrants and the societal threats they encounter. Adela's character illustrates resilience amid the chaos surrounding their desperate escape.

👩‍🦰 Immigrant ✊ Survivor 🧭 Hopeful

Sam (Jeffrey Dean Morgan)

Sam is a ruthless character whose hunt for the immigrants reveals a darker side of humanity. His cold determination and lack of empathy for his prey showcase the extremes of human nature and the moral decay surrounding border issues. As the antagonist, Sam adds tension and urgency to the story.

🔫 Hunter 🌪️ Antagonist 🐕 Ruthless

Desierto Settings

Learn where and when Desierto (2016) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The film does not specify a particular time period, but it reflects contemporary issues surrounding immigration. The tensions depicted resonate with current societal challenges and the ongoing discourse about borders and human rights.

Location

Desert, American border

The movie is set in a harsh desert landscape near the American border, known for its extreme weather and rugged terrain. This unforgiving environment symbolizes both the peril and the hopes of those seeking a better life. The vast emptiness amplifies the tension and desperation of the immigrants during their perilous journey.

🏜️ Desert 🌍 Location

Desierto Themes

Discover the main themes in Desierto (2016). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🌌

Survival

Survival is the central theme of 'Desierto', depicting the lengths to which individuals go to stay alive. The intense chase between Moises and Sam illustrates the brutal reality faced by immigrants in pursuit of safety. The film starkly contrasts the dire situation of the desperate immigrants against the cold violence of their pursuer.

🤝

Solidarity

Solidarity among the immigrants emerges as a critical theme throughout the film. Moises' protective actions towards Adela highlight the importance of camaraderie in the face of adversity. Their bond represents hope and humanity amidst the chaos and danger surrounding them.

⚖️

Justice

The theme of justice is explored through the characters' interactions and the moral dilemmas faced by Moises. As he confronts Sam, the notion of justice becomes intertwined with the quest for survival, leading to a haunting exploration of ethics in life-and-death situations.

Desierto Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of Desierto (2016). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

The sun‑scorched stretch between Mexico and the United States becomes a stark arena where hope and desperation collide. A tightly‑knit group of migrants sets out to cross the unforgiving desert, each step driven by the promise of a new life beyond the border. The endless horizon, shifting dunes, and relentless heat create a world that feels both awe‑inspiring and hostile, turning the journey itself into a silent test of endurance.

Looming over this barren expanse is a single, unseen threat—a lone figure armed with a rifle, whose presence turns the vast openness into a hunting ground. The film’s tone walks a thin line between stark realism and tense suspense, allowing the desert’s quiet to pulse with an undercurrent of danger. Every gust of wind and distant coyote call hints at something unseen watching, amplifying the sense that survival hinges on both wit and luck.

Moises emerges as the reluctant leader of the travelers, carrying the weight of his companions’ hopes while grappling with his own limits. Beside him, Adela represents the fragile yet resilient spirit that fuels the group’s collective resolve. Across the dunes, Sam moves with methodical purpose, his rifle a cold extension of his solitary mission. Their paths intersect in a stark tableau of predator and prey, but the focus remains on the human drive to keep moving forward despite the odds.

The narrative invites viewers into a world where the desert is both a barrier and a crucible, shaping characters who must navigate not only the physical terrain but also the moral ambiguities of a harsh frontier. In this relentless backdrop, every sunrise brings a fresh chance at escape, while every shadow threatens a deeper plunge into uncertainty.

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