Catching Dust

Could have been masterful, suspenseful and taut .Seems all that was left on the cutting room floor. An implausible situation , made more implausible by production design that forgot to add the dust . Some strong acting that was trying hard to push the film along , which felt like hard work . The whole vibe came across that it wasn't a happy experience for those working on set.

The outlaw couple felt real , owned the script and well cast. The new arrivals dull, lacking in energy, and credibility with a wardrobe to match.

Watched through till the end in hope that the promise if what could have been would happen .. nearly but not quite.

Stuart Gatt's stunning directorial debut "Catching Dust" captivates from start to finish. Set against breathtaking desert landscapes, the film's cinematography is extraordinary, capturing both vast expanses and intimate moments with equal brilliance.

The pacing is impeccable, allowing the central mystery to unfold with perfect timing. Each revelation feels both surprising and inevitable, building tension masterfully throughout.

The entire cast delivers remarkable performances, but Erin Moriarty truly shines. Her range is astonishing - effortlessly shifting between comedy and heartbreak, all while maintaining a flawless accent. Her romantic scenes particularly showcase her versatility and emotional depth.

With its thoughtful storytelling, visual splendor, and outstanding performances, "Catching Dust" announces Gatt as a formidable filmmaking talent. This is confident, captivating cinema that lingers long after viewing - an exceptional achievement for a debut feature.

Incredibly powerful writing, masterful cinematography and an incredible cast. In particular, Erin's characterisation was flawless. I had the pleasure of watching this in theatres, the employment of 35mm I felt added another level of artistry. Every shot, a considered piece of art in itself. The desert (not just the setting) felt like an additional cast member, personified almost, adding to the mood. I loved that there were no cliche's for this type of film, leaving the western/desert tropes in the past, especially with the score.

Would love to know what happened with the tortoise though? Can we get a tortoise spin off? Haha

For a debut feature from Stuart Gatt, I take my hat off to you. Really looking forward to discovering what his next project will be.

There is only 1 real reason to watch this and it's Erin Moriarty's performance. Jai Courtney is also very good as a Texan living off the land in a trailer with Erin playing his wife but the movie falters in that it deals with 4 characters who are largely stereotypes. The NY city couple who show up aren't given much depth, especially the character of the husband who just seems to be there to play the bad guy. Not much happens in the movie, don't expect any action , but while it was moving along OK, as it nears the end it just falls apart. Characters start behaving in a way that makes no sense, and the movie ends in a way that only happens in movies. With excellent actors here, this needed a more realistic plot, needed more drama, needed more depth. Not boring, but not worth a second watch.

Like another reviewer wrote, "Could have been...".

I agree... in my opinion, the story had a lot more to go on. The twist in the end (if we can call it a twist, as it impacts none and less in the story), just makes You go: "Hein?! What?! Why?!"...

The 6 is because the movie, in the whole, is just one more... Jai Courtney's performance is OUTSTANDING!!!!! I never really cared much for the guy, but after this, he has my attention and well deserved congratulations!!!!!

In general, they all do well, but the story, the way it went, didn't leave much room for shining.

It's a movie to watch on a stupid Sunday afternoon, when You get that "Bah... tomorrow my life goes back to the crap it is" feeling... it will help with getting You distracted for a bit. That's all...