Twentynine Palms (film)

Twentynine Palms is a 2003 French experimental erotic thriller film directed by Bruno Dumont. The film stars Yekaterina Golubeva and David Wissman as a couple, Katia and David, driving through the desolate landscape of the Mojave Desert near the town of Twentynine Palms, California.

The film is known for its long, static shots, minimal dialogue, and realistic depiction of sex and violence. The narrative is fragmented and ambiguous, leaving much open to interpretation. It explores themes of alienation, communication breakdown, the nature of desire, and the brutal realities of human relationships within an isolating environment. The vastness of the desert landscape serves as a backdrop, reflecting the emotional emptiness and lack of connection between the characters.

The film garnered significant controversy upon its release for its graphic content and unconventional storytelling. It received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Dumont's stark and uncompromising vision, while others found it pretentious and exploitative. Despite the controversy, Twentynine Palms has become a notable example of avant-garde cinema and continues to be studied for its unique aesthetic and provocative themes. It is not considered a mainstream or easily accessible film.