Set in the American Southwest, "desert terror" films combine elements from horror, film noir and road movies to tell stories of isolation and violence. For more than half a century, these diverse and troubling films have eluded critical classification and analysis. Highlighting pioneering filmmakers and bizarre production stories, the author traces the genre's origins and development, from cult exploitation (
The Hills Have Eyes, The Hitcher
) to crowd-pleasing franchises (
Tremors, From Dusk Till Dawn
) to quirky auteurist fare (
Natural Born Killers, Lost Highway
) to more recent releases (
Bone Tomahawk, Nocturnal Animals
). Rare stills, promotional materials and a filmography are included.