ArizonaGenre: Adventure/Comedy/Drama
Director: Jason Reitman
Writer: Jacob Jones
Cast: Tessa Thompson, Kristen Stewart, Tyler James Williams, Mackenzie Davis, Elijah Wood, Ryan Guzman
Plot: Among the desert skyline, a woman drives her SUV along the road, listening to her friend-group sing to John Denver. As the song ends, Michelle (Tessa Thompson) reminds them that they're in Arizona, not West Virginia. Jackie (Kristen Stewart) playfully teases her for ruining their fun and the gang share a good laugh. Reggie (Tyler James Williams) expresses excitement at staying in Phoenix, Arizona for the week, especially given their staying at a hotel. Tanya (Mackenzie Davis) agrees, saying it's been too long since they last hung out. As Michelle pulls into their hotel, she declares that they're going to make this the best spring break ever.
The group of friends soon enter the hotel, becoming in awe of its majesty and begin to head off only for Tanya to point out a mysterious looking man sitting by himself. She smiles, waving at the stranger and trying to greet him. The stranger glances at her and nods, tipping his hat before walking off. Jackie and Michelle ponder this encounter while Reggie playfully calls him The Wandering Stranger (Elijah Wood). The group laugh it off and proceed to the elevator that will take them to floor six, room six.
The next morning, a bellhop brings everyone breakfast in bed and they feast to their delight. Upon finishing, Michelle makes a list of everything they’re going to do during the week. One of things included is seeing the Grand Canyon, something that has been on her bucket list for years. Before she can go further, she begins to hear large amounts of banter going on outside. Curious, Michelle looks out the window and sees the same man they saw yesterday among a small crowd of interested people.
As the group joins the crowd, they find they are just in time for his big announcement. At the farthest reaches of Arizona is the last known diamond mine in America. He challenges anyone in the crowd to find it, saying that if they do, they will obtain riches untold. One person asks where it may be, the stranger cannot say. Another person heckles his answer, saying it may be from 'bumfuck' nowhere. Seeing the hurt on the stranger's face from everyone mocking him. Michelle steps up, accepting the challenge on behalf of her group.
Jackie pushes her back, asking if she's really going to trust this guy. Michelle says that it might be fun, especially if he's right about it. Despite her resistance, Jackie agrees to join them after Reggie and Tanya convince her. The group head off to prepare for their new adventure, The Wandering Stranger looks on, smiling to himself, softly muttering about "finally getting a fresh start".
As the group pack up their belongings and prepare the car, Tanya and Reggie begin to wonder what it would be like to obtain a diamond. Jackie imagines that could pawn it off in exchange for cash. She pauses, realizing that she could pay off her student debts and begins to push the group to finish getting ready. Once finished, the group begin their journey. As Michelle begins the long drive, Tanya asks her where she believes the mine is. Michelle pauses, admitting that she isn't sure. Reggie declares that they'll have to be on the road to nowhere until they get there, drawing some laughter.
Eight hours pass by and a tired Reggie asks if they're there yet. Michelle assures him that they need to be patient. All of a sudden, the car starts to sputter. Spotting a nearby gas station, Michelle manages to approach it just as the fuel tank empties. The group exit the car, stretching their legs as Michelle puts the gas valve in the fuel tank. She lets everyone go inside to get some snacks while she tends to the car. As she does so, she comes across a cute little meerkat. She goes to pet it, only to find there are hundreds of meerkats, staring at her and her car.
The meerkats scurry towards the car, stomping over Michelle despite her best efforts. As she calls out for help, Reggie sees the situation and alerts the rest of her friends. The four try to stop the meerkat ambush but to no avail as most of the meerkats manage to get inside the car and drive away. Despite this setback, Tanya isn't deterred and begins to walk across the desert. As they do so, they again discuss plans on what to do with the diamonds. Reggie hopes to turn it into a tourist landscape and make profit off of it, citing his dad's business experience. Tanya just wants to donate the diamonds for charity and research. Michelle however isn't sure what to do with the diamonds, but assures her friends that she'll think of something. The four find a good place to camp out for the night and drift to sleep.
The next morning, Reggie cries out in pain, having been bitten by a snake. Jackie and Michelle tend to him while Tanya holds back the snake. As the four scramble to solve their snake crisis, The Wandering Stranger returns to get an update. Michelle alerts him to the car and snake but assures him that they are on the right track. As Jackie continues to tend to Reggie's wound, Michelle and the stranger walk off to discuss other topics. Michelle thanks him for creating this journey, calling it a bonding experience.
Initially pleased, the stranger asks her about how her friendships with everyone started. Michelle tells him that they all met in high school, starting with Tanya (the sweetest little angel), then Jackie (the most determined person she's ever met) and finally Reggie (a chill guy who knows how to make you laugh). They've just clicked together since day one. As time passed however, everyone started to drift apart. Adult life can be a bitch and it got to them. That's why she brought everyone to Arizona, so they can spend one more week together before it's too late.
Touched by her explanation, The stranger commends her humility and heart, wishing her success on the journey. Tanya soon arrives, having been looking for Michelle. She tells her that Reggie is better and that it's time to go hiking. Michelle heads off, leaving the stranger all alone. He sheds a small tear, trying and failing to hide his emotions. The stranger then hears a voice asking if he's okay and looks over his shoulder finding a concerned Tanya. He assures her that everything is fine and gently requests for her to run along. She does so, not entirely convinced of his claims.
All throughout the day, Michelle and the rest of the group hike among the deserts of Phoenix when Reggie's stomach starts to churn. When asked about the snacks, Tanya sheepishly admits that she ate them all. Michelle then tells them that they'll break for lunch and go in search of a place to eat. It's not long until Reggie finds a small diner named Chip's and suggests going there. Upon entering and placing their orders, Michelle hears someone asking if they come around often. Michelle tells them they haven't, they're just here for the week. He calls it a coincidence, saying they're only here for the week as well. He introduces himself as Albredo (Ryan Guzman), a world traveller and self-proclaimed nomad.
Michelle then tells him about the mysterious diamond mine they've been searching for (Noticeably, Jackie tries to chime in but is constantly ignored). Intrigued, Albredo offers to help them out, letting them carpool with him. Hearing this, a cautious Jackie takes Michelle by her side, questioning if this is such a good idea. Michelle assures her that it is, citing how nice he seems to be. Despite her growing resentment, Jackie lets Michelle accept Albredo's offer.
After everyone's food arrives, the group get a long awaited break from the mission (though the tension between Jackie and Michelle continues to grow). Some time later, Michelle walks off to the bathroom and on the way accidentally bumps into someone, causing them to spill their drink. She apologizes profusely, even offering to her a new drink before being shoved aside. All hell breaks loose soon after with chairs and fists (most of them coming from the angered person) flying. The patron soon grabs Michelle by the throat, making a threat regarding what they're going to do next when they are suddenly tasered by another person.
The patron collapses onto the floor, leaving a relieved Michelle to thank the mysterious person. The stranger tells her to call him Joseph and orders everyone out. Upon exiting, Joseph reveals he was entering to catch a quick bite when the fight started, thankful to have brought a weapon just in case something happened. He tells them that he cannot stay long and wishes them well. With everyone recovering from the fight, Michelle finds a safe camping place for them to spend the night.
That evening, Reggie tries to sleep but can't after noticing Jackie's absence. After checking to make sure the others are asleep, Reggie sneaks off to try and find her. He soon sees her sitting by herself and asks if he can join her. Despite initially responding coldly, Jackie permits him to stay. Reggie asks what happened between her and Michelle. Jackie claims that Michelle is trying to take her leadership role again. She's not surprised, that's what she's been trying to do ever since they met. To Jackie, Michelle can't go a day without being in the spotlight and she's sick of it. She hopes to find the diamonds on her own so she can finally 'shut her up'. To her surprise, Reggie admits to wanting to find the diamonds alone as well, the idea of him doing it single handedly tempting. Reggie starts to yawn, getting sleepy from their conversation and heads off, wishing Jackie a good night.
The next morning, Albredo brings the group together to share some bad news. It turns out the car he has burned out its engine and he'll need to get a new one. Despite their disappointment, everyone remains committed to finding the mine. For two days the group trudges along, the sun continually beating on them with its intense heat. Soon, they find themselves in the middle of nowhere. Tanya struggles to keep up with the group, growing dizzy and on the brink of collapse from the heat.
A few minutes later, even Michelle has had enough and calls for a timeout. She does a headcount and finds that Tanya is missing. Everyone goes off, trying to find her when Albredo notices someone making out with a cactus. He takes a closer look, finding Tanya. Trying not to laugh, Albredo tells Michelle and she takes a closer look. After prying Tanya away from the cactus, she collapses. Panicking, Michelle orders everyone to find something that has water.
While everyone scatters about, Jackie finds a small river . Before she can point it out, Michelle spots it and brings Tanya over. Upon her recovery, Michelle declares that they'll camp by the riverside tonight. That evening, everyone begins working in their campgrounds when Albredo hears Jackie quietly mocking Michelle by herself. He asks if she's doing okay, only to be brushed off. She mutters how it may not even be worth it anymore.
Reggie then goes on, doubting the mine's existence. Even Michelle begins to question if this has been all a waste of time. She then suggests they have a campfire, an idea approved by everyone except Jackie. Reggie and Albredo go off in search of wood, leaving Michelle and Jackie to tend to Tanya.
Several minutes later, Joseph enters to check up on the group. Michelle tells him that it hasn't all been easy, but they're doing everything they can to find the mine. Joseph tells her how impressed he's been with her handling this and admits he didn't think they'd still be at it. He then looks at Tanya, asking if she's okay. Michelle then addresses the dehydration incident much to his distress. He apologizes to Tanya, saying he should've given them supplies and puts himself down until Michelle comforts him, saying that you can never see these things coming.
Joseph then asks to speak with Tanya and is given permission. He sits with Tanya, asking if she's doing better. Tanya says she is, admitting that she feared her life was flashing before her. The two look up at the sky, noticing all the stars. Joseph thinks of them as the eyes of the sky, watching the Earth as one day goes to another. Albredo and Reggie soon return with wood, creating a small fire for everyone. Reggie then suggests singing a campfire song, Albredo gets out his guitar and asks if anyone knows how to sing. Joseph says he does and tells him to play a song called River.
After the song, the group continue to talk about life for another few hours before Michelle decides to head off to bed. Before they can fall asleep however, Tanya asks where Jackie is. Michelle looks around, finding that she is missing. The group head off, putting together a search party for her.
Far away from the campsite, Jackie tries to find clues that may lead her to the mine. A roadrunner zooms past her, setting Jackie off course. Angered, she chases after the roadrunner, following his every move before finally managing to corner him by an unoccupied road. She marches toward him, ready to pounce when she hears someone's voice. She turns around, finding Michelle.
Michelle gets Jackie off the road, asking what she's doing. Jackie reveals her plan to find the mine all by herself and gets scolded, saying that they were supposed to do this together. Having lost her patience, Jackie goes on a tirade, claiming that Michelle had always been trying to steal opportunities from her to lead. She never liked her from the moment she 'stole' her student council spot and is done being the understudy for her. Concerned, Reggie tries to break things up when Jackie reveals that he wants to find the diamonds on his own too.
Reggie shouts at Jackie, telling her to leave him out of it. The two continue to go at it, Albredo watching with intrigue while Tanya and Joseph stare in horror. Finally, Michelle can't take it anymore and yells at them to shut up. She looks at the miserable state of things and exclaims that all she wanted was for everyone to get along and enjoy the experience and rewards that came with it. She never thought anyone would go behind everyone's backs and find the diamonds for themselves. If this is going to ruin their friendship, then she wants no part of it. She apologizes to Joseph, announcing her withdrawal from the competition before storming off with tears in her eyes.
Joseph observes the rest of the group walking off with her except for Jackie who takes her own path and Albredo who stays with him, shocked at the ‘twists this took'. Distressed, Joseph tells him that he never intended for things to get this bad and fears that he's ruined everything. Albredo suggests that maybe he hasn't, noting that tensions seemed high between Jackie and Michelle before finally flaring up. He tells Joseph that they need to figure something out and that he may have the idea.
Early next morning, Albredo finishes preparing a device with a few materials he was able to find. Anxious, Joseph asks if this is going to work. Albredo says that it has to for the sake of their friendship. He hands Joseph the device, telling him to press the button. He does so, finding that it makes the sound of an eagle.
Jackie continues to walk the trail back alone, thinking about what she said. The same roadrunner from last night returns and stares at her, giving her a raspberry before running off. She stares at the ground, trying her best not to break down in tears. Back at the campsite, everyone begins putting everything away, no one saying a word to each other. Michelle sadly looks at the campfire before everyone hears a cry for help.
The group ventures off to find the source. Tanya looks up, pointing to a man being taken to a nest by a bald eagle. Michelle takes a closer look, seeing that it's Joseph. Everyone follows the eagle, trying to find its nest. Disaster strikes however when the eagle loses his grip and Joseph begins plummeting to the ground. At the last second, Jackie manages to leap in and grab him. She tells everyone to find a first-aid kit in case he's injured.
Tanya brings Jackie the first-aid kit. To their relief, Joseph isn't injured. Albredo comes in, seeing the chaos and reveals that they set it up so they could bring them back together. Joseph confirms this, saying that he didn't mean to drive a wedge through their bond, but before he can go any further Jackie confesses that she made a mistake snapping at Michelle, admitting that years of jealousy got in the way of their friendship. Michelle also confesses that she should've let Jackie take more control. The two make amends, vowing to talk to each other if someone is concerning them.
Joseph looks at the two, a saddened smile on his face. He admits that he never knew what real friendship was until he met them. He had always been sort of an outcast, nobody ever paid much attention to him and he never had that one person to talk to. Oftentimes he'd create big plans and ideas, but nobody cared. They felt he was all talk, no bite. Feeling terrible, Tanya comes up to him, offering to be his friend. Overjoyed, Joseph accepts her proposal. One by one, the others accept him as a part of the group, further warming his heart. He thanks them all, hoping to one day see them again after this is over. As everyone finishes reconnecting with one another, Albredo rushes towards them, claiming to have big news. He leads them to a rock and reveals that if you push it away, you'll find a hole. One that he believes leads to the diamond mine. Joseph sticks his head in and unable to contain his excitement reveals that this is the entrance to the mine.
Everyone takes turns squeezing into the hole, falling into a dark cave-like structure underground. Jackie leads the way, carrying a flashlight and warning everyone to stay close to one another. The group trek deep into the mines, eventually coming face to face with a large boulder. Undeterred, everyone takes turns breaking through the boulder, cracking through it and revealing the diamond mind.
Amazed by its splendor, Joseph tells the group that they've earned the right to take some of the diamonds as a reward for completing this journey. Jackie, Tanya and Reggie happily oblige, but when Michelle goes to take one, she stops, saying that she has no need for them. She already has a good life and wonderful friends. To her, being on this journey was the real reward.
Joseph then reveals to the group that there is one more surprise waiting for them at the end of the mine. One by one, everyone takes turns leading each other through tunnels, pathways and even a bridge. Eventually, Michelle begins to feel light radiating off of her and pokes her head out to find the Great Canyon.
Everyone comes out of the hole, staring at awe over the majesty of The Great Canyon as the sun sets over it. Wanting to commemorate this moment, Michelle brings everyone together to take a selfie. Michelle looks at the picture on her phone, smiling happily when she hears creaking noises. She looks up to find her car, somehow not damaged by the meerkats. After the meerkats leave, Michelle begins to make her way over, thanking Joseph for everything. Tanya is the last to say goodbye, giving him one of the jewels she picked up from the mine, telling him to keep it as a way to remember them by, With tears in his eyes, Joseph looks at his reflection before thanking Tanya and embracing her.
Joseph watches as Michelle and her friends drive off into the sunset, leaving him and Albredo alone. Albredo looks at him, smiling warmly and tells him he did a great job bringing people closer together. He then asks if he'd like to stop by Chip's tomorrow, his treat. Joseph smiles at him, saying:
"In Arizona, being with a good friend is the greatest treat of all."
As these words ring clear to Albredo, the two proceed to sit down and watch the sunset over the grand canyon, soaking in the beautiful view.
