A Road Trip Through America and Personal Crisis
DIRECTED BY LARAMIE DENNIS/2024
Where in the Hell is a refreshingly quirky road trip comedy that thrives on its moments of unexpected silence and striking character chemistry. When Kasey, a jaded prop master played by Cam Killion, is left high and dry by her vanishing girlfriend in a remote Californian town, she finds herself at a complete loss—no ride, no cell service, and no clue where to turn. Enter Alan (Joohun Lee), a struggling actor on his way to a dubious audition in Canada. As this unlikely pair joins forces on a cross-country trek, the film finds both humor and warmth in their encounters with psychic oddballs, worn-out roadside diners, and the looming uncertainty of border patrol.
Laramie Dennis, making her feature debut, brings a breezy, offbeat sensibility to Where in the Hell. Known for her background in Off-Off-Broadway, Dennis skillfully adapts her knack for lively, naturalistic dialogue to the screen, letting the characters’ personalities drive the journey as much as the plot. Set in the timeless, wide-open stretches between California and Canada, the film captures a sense of isolation and in-betweenness, underscored by the backdrop of the early pandemic era, with its tentative masks and halted plans. This “purgatory” gives the story a subtly introspective edge, allowing Kasey and Alan’s aimless wanderings to resonate on a deeper level.
The chemistry between Killion and Lee is effortless, bringing a grounded charm to their characters’ comedic exchanges and silent, introspective moments alike. With touches of early Jim Jarmusch, the film balances its quiet pauses with perfectly timed musical cues, creating a laid-back atmosphere that invites the viewer to sit back and enjoy the ride. Where in the Hell is a gem of a film—a lighthearted yet thought-provoking tale about letting go of control and embracing the absurdities along the way.
