Salton Sea is a quietly ambitious indie drama that explores the complexities of marriage, ambition, and personal integrity against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the Salton Sea itself. Directed by Michael Stevantoni and co-written with Tim Rousseau and George McCormick, the film follows Brian (Joel Bissonnette) as he attempts to persuade his wife, Ramona (Keylor Leigh), to move across the country for a promotion. Their journey back to a faded resort town where they once honeymooned forces both characters—and the audience—to confront the fractures in their relationship and the compromises they are willing to make.
Visually, the film is compelling. The Salton Sea, with its eerie and desolate charm, serves as a perfect metaphor for Brian and Ramona’s tenuous marriage—stunning from a distance but troubled beneath the surface. The cinematography captures this tension well, making the setting almost a character in itself. Keylor Leigh’s performance as Ramona stands out, providing a grounded, emotionally resonant counterbalance to Brian’s often selfish and frustrating behavior.
However, the film is not without its flaws. The pacing is slow, sometimes painfully so, which may test the patience of viewers expecting more narrative momentum. Brian’s character is frequently unlikable; his selfishness and moral ambiguity—at one point even threatening an animal—make it difficult to empathize with him. Dialogue occasionally feels lifeless, and the plot meanders without clear direction, leaving some emotional beats underdeveloped. The ending, in particular, feels unresolved and may leave audiences with a sense of dissatisfaction.
That said, the film’s strengths lie in its authenticity and atmosphere. The interactions between characters feel believable, and the story, while understated, touches on real-life struggles of ambition versus commitment, love versus ego. Stevantoni and his co-writers have crafted a story that, despite its imperfections, feels intimate and reflective, anchored by strong performances and a hauntingly evocative setting.
In conclusion, Salton Sea is a slow-burn indie drama that may frustrate some viewers with its pacing and unlikable protagonist, but it rewards patience with strong performances, thoughtful character study, and a visually striking setting that mirrors the emotional landscape of its story. It’s not a film for everyone, but for those willing to sit with its discomforts, there is genuine emotional depth to uncover.
Jessie Hobson