No Right Turn is a quirky drama from Denmark. The film has a lot going for it, mostly thanks to director David Noel Bourke, who crafts a fascinating and unique vision of betrayal, drug use, and sexual energy. The film is tough to categorize, and it definitely has an arthouse feel throughout. I suppose the best way to describe it is as a combination of David Lynch and Dario Argento as it combines the subtle, dangerous feel of the best Argento gialli with the often bizarre and sexually free nature of a Lynch film.

The film is about a beautiful woman named Nina. Nina is a hooker who lives with her deadbeat boyfriend named Johnny, a drug-fueled dreamer who is wasting his life away. However Nina wants more in life, and her methods for obtaining more are manipulative, sexy, and mysterious. The film’s mysteries are many, and the subtle and understated relationships in the film make up the best part of the movie, so I won’t spoil them here. Let’s just say that No Right Turn is a film with many twists and turns which will satisfy the arthouse fan.

Director David Noel Bourke has crafted an excellent film. Each scene is set up with a solid eye for imagery. In Bourke’s world, a simple bath is a chance to craft a memorable scene. There are a variety of killer moments in the film, and each scene feels like a piece of art, often infused with the subtle smoldering of the characters who are each complex and mysterious in their own ways. There are a few pacing problems here and there, but for the most part, Burke keeps the film moving at a solid pace. But the best part of the film might be the performances that Burke culls from his actors.

Laura Bach is the straw that stirs the drink of No Right Turn. She is a beautiful and dangerous femme, capable of getting raped, and yet still seeming as if she is in total control. Bach’ performance is multi-faceted and subtle. Tao Hildebrand plays her opposite, the alcohol-sucking, drug-snorting Johnny. Hildebrand is scum-chique personified, and his antics and disposition are remindful of David Della Rocco’s performance in The Boondock Saints. Hildebrand struts around the screen with a cocky swagger, which adds some color to what would otherwise be a dismal and depressing movie.

No Right Turn is a film that will appeal to those who love the indie scene. Bourke’s piece is a delight to watch, and its production values and construction are top-notch. If you like seedy mysteries which don’t offer everything up on a platter for you, then No Right Turn is definitely something to check out. At the very least, it’s a nice start for a director that I will be keeping an eye on, because that Argento/Lynch comment was by no means hyperbole.

Final Synopsis: This movie isn’t for everyone. If you’re part of the arthouse set, and appreciate slow deliberate storytelling and craftsmanship, then you’ll get a kick out of No Right Turn. Give it a rent when you get the chance.

Points Lost: -1 for some pacing problems, -1 for taking a little too long to set up the main conflict, -1 for not giving me enough of Johnny

Lesson Learned: Tying cold meat to your nose helps with nosebleeds.

Burning Question: Have you ever ordered a pizza and receive cocaine on top?

No Right Turn
7/10

Tags: 2009, david noel bourke, drama, lars lippert, latest independent movie reviews, latest indie film reviews, latest indie movie reviews, latest movie reviews, laura bach, laura bach boobs, laura bach naked, mystery, New Independent Film Reviews, new independent movie reviews, new indie film reviews, new indie movie reviews, sira stampe, tao hildebrand