Zzyzx (film)

Zzyzx is a 2006 American psychological thriller film directed by Richard Halverson and written by John Penney. The film stars Leo Grillo, Katherine Heigl, and Tom Sizemore.

The plot centers around Marissa (Heigl) and her boyfriend, Zachary (Grillo), who accidentally kill a man named Joey (Sizemore) in the California desert near the town of Zzyzx. Desperate to cover up the crime, they attempt to dispose of the body, but their efforts are complicated by various unforeseen circumstances and their own unraveling psyches.

The film is notable for its low budget and independent production. It was filmed in and around the actual town of Zzyzx, California, lending a sense of authenticity to the desert setting. While it received limited theatrical distribution, it has gained a cult following over the years, particularly among fans of independent and low-budget horror/thriller films. The film is often praised for its gritty realism, unsettling atmosphere, and the performances of its cast. However, it has also been criticized for its slow pacing and lack of narrative clarity in certain sections.