Parents' Guide to The Last Victim

A neo-Western with a bit of a bite, this crime drama gives its fascinating characters -- and, amazingly, the audience -- credit for being smart enough to follow its twisty checkerboard jumps. Set entirely in micro-size towns in New Mexico, The Last Victim has a vivid atmosphere, all dust and clomping boots. Interestingly, the movie is narrated by its villain, Jake, who sprinkles his bits of hopelessness and meaninglessness throughout the story but also provides a springboard to make the fight to survive worthwhile. Susan is introduced as she meticulously checks things off a to-do list -- including "wake up" -- suggesting that she's smart and organized. She balks at anything unscheduled, and she's not one for relaxing.

Meanwhile, Sheriff Hickey and Deputy Gaboon enjoy a deadpan banter, often talking about things that have nothing to do with the plot, like that time Dale did that thing with the files on his desk. The sheriff is a slow, lumbering giant, and the cheeky deputy's short-cropped hair and huge round glasses give her the face of a friendly tortoise. The movie's cat-and-mouse chase across the wilderness is perhaps less interesting than its characters; it doesn't establish distance or space as well as movies like Desierto or The Aviary, and some lackluster "needle-drop" songs tend to soften the mood. But never fear, The Last Victim has a few great things in store during its final act, including a powerful coda that elevates it above its dark philosophies (and its dark title) and into something more empathic.