Downrange (2017) is a tense, high-stakes survival thriller that pushes the limits of human endurance and decision-making. The film takes a simple yet compelling premiseโa group of friends stranded in a remote location with a sniper hunting themโand turns it into a gripping, nail-biting experience. With minimal dialogue and a relentless pace, Downrange focuses on the primal instincts of survival and the terror of being hunted.
The plot centers around six college students who are driving through a desolate stretch of road when their car gets a flat tire. As they attempt to fix it, they are unaware that they are being targeted by a sniper positioned on a distant hillside. One by one, the friends are picked off by the unseen assailant, forcing the remaining survivors to make split-second decisions on how to escape or fight back. The tension is constant as the group is trapped in a vulnerable position, unable to go anywhere due to the deadly shots that can strike at any moment.
What sets Downrange apart from other thrillers is its simplicity. The film doesnโt rely on extensive backstory or convoluted plots. Instead, it focuses on the immediacy of the situation, throwing the audience right into the action and forcing them to experience the panic and desperation of the characters. The film’s real strength lies in its minimalistic approach, which enhances the claustrophobia and sense of hopelessness as the characters attempt to survive the sniperโs attack.
