After establishing itself as a strong indie-horror franchise, the enigmatic film series known as Horror in the High Desert has returned with a gripping third entry — and we’re confident that it’s only getting stronger with each installment.

The Most Ambitious Entry of the Franchise

While it’s often stated that the original film in a franchise is typically the strongest — Horror in the High Desert 3: Firewatch has become another piece of compelling evidence that suggests otherwise. Because, in every instance possible, the third entry drastically elevates the indie horror franchise’s blueprint to exciting new heights, demonstrating a bold, upgraded sense of ambition.

The story kicks off with a new compelling character named Oscar Mendoza, skillfully portrayed by newcomer Marco Antonio Parra, who embarks on a daunting journey into the Nevada wilderness to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearances of characters from the earlier entries—Gary Hinge, Minerva Sound, and Ameliana Brasher. Though, unlike earlier entries, which primarily focused on isolation, theorizing, and even uncertainty, Firewatch propels itself towards a more expansive exploration of the mysteries surrounding these enigmatic occurrences — and the personalities who tend to gravitate to these stories.

Visually, the film shines with a stark cinematography that captures the vast, haunting landscapes of the Nevada desert. And even with its ability to recapture (or sometimes rely on) certain moments of the first entry, Firewatch makes a mostly solid effort at expanding its outdoor horrors as much as possible. Marich's ability to juxtapose the natural beauty of the desert with the lurking horrors beneath adds a rich layer to the viewing experience that’s becoming a staple of the ongoing franchise.

This well-rounded change of pace not only promises more than its predecessors but also delivers on that promise, setting a sturdy standard for what the franchise can achieve and offering a tantalizing glimpse into the potential future of the series.

The Strongest Plot Payout So Far

One of the most rewarding aspects of Firewatch is how it expands the lore established in previous films. This entry provides a deeper understanding of the unsettling, divisive phenomena that have plagued the desert, offering viewers a spectrum of explanations and theories that feel both grounded and unnervingly supernatural.

Following the pattern of its predecessors, Oscar's video diary serves as a narrative device that allows audiences to experience his thought process as he helps uncover hidden truths. While he revisits key locations from the earlier films, long-simmering questions begin to find answers. As Oscar journeys further into the wilderness, the plot then intricately weaves testimonies and other forms of evidence, creating a compelling narrative that threads together the events of the first two films with newly introduced mysteries.

The character development throughout the plot is also commendable, with Oscar evolving from a mere (somewhat obsessive) investigator into a sympathetic figure grappling with his own mental health and the weight of the unknown. His encounters with remnants of Minerva and Gary’s experiences bring forth emotions that resonate deeply, revealing how these tragedies have rippled through the community. This thoughtful expansion cements that Firewatch offers the strongest plot payout of the franchise to date, merging intricate storytelling with an immersive experience that elevates its mythos.

A Tense, Atmospheric Thriller

Horror in the High Desert 3: Firewatch excels in creating a tense, atmospheric thriller that leans heavily on true crime elements blended with horror. The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing enough breathing room to build suspense while ensuring that the horrors faced by the characters feel both real and palpable.

The film’s true crime energy shines through Oscar’s ongoing investigation and the recurring docuseries crew addressing the newest revelations. Each new clue leads him deeper into a tangled web of events, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. This grounded approach makes the majority of its eerie moments resonate, reminding audiences of the thin veil between the mundane and the frightening.

Score: 7/10

Horror in the High Desert 3: Firewatch surpasses its indie-horror parameters while creating a new, honorable found footage blueprint.