The Last Stop in Yuma County may be the final rest stop before passing into the next county, but it’s also the end of the line for an unlucky bunch of diner guests who get trapped with trigger-happy bank robbers. This slow-burn neo-western crime thriller is a throwback to single-location standoffs where the fun comes from colorful characters, patiently building tension, fun jukebox needle drops, and not knowing what’s going to happen next.

The movie opens on a silent desert highway, basking under the hot sun of an early morning, and awakened by the arrival of a traveling Knife Salesman (Jim Cummings) who pulls into a rest stop to fill up his car. Immediately, there is a problem, the Diner Waitress (Jocelin Donahue) points out. The rest stop is out of gas, and the gasoline truck that refuels the station is delayed. However, a larger problem presents itself when more shifty-eyed travelers arrive at the rest stop, and their car perfectly matches the description of the getaway vehicle used to hold up a bank hours earlier.

Just their luck–it’s indeed the bank robbers (Richard Brake, Nichola Logan). The Knife Salesman grows increasingly uncomfortable after realizing this fact. As more travelers shuffle in and fill the diner, the slow-boiling setup reaches its climax. The bank robbers brandish their weapons and hold the powerless diner dwellers hostage. With all that stolen money in their car and ample opportunities to flee, what will happen next under this hot desert sun?

The Last Stop in Yuma County is a throwback film that evokes a more old-school western. Specifically, it feels inspired by Quentin Tarantino, whose standoff Shoot ‘Em Up scenes feel particularly indebted to Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, or The Hateful Eight. There are also enough needle-drop moments of old jukebox hits that feel particularly Tarnantino-esque. Written and directed by Francis Galluppi in his feature film debut, it’s quite an accomplishment to create a fun world of colorful characters with a story that’s fun to get caught up in.

While well executed, the only issue I had with The Last Stop in Yuma County was that it felt too referential. It pays a ton of homage to movies of the same genre, and I was looking forward to something that would’ve offered a new perspective on the setup. If you’re ready for a fun throwback film from a first-time filmmaker, be sure to take this stop.

‘The Last Stop in Yuma County’ is now playing in select theaters and available to rent on digital platforms.