The Big Empty

The Big Empty

Cowboys. Aliens. Blue suitcases and bowling balls. Strange things are happening out in the middle of nowhere.

200395 min6.1 / 10

A quirky, offbeat mystery-comedy set in the desert that blends noir-tinged paranoia with absurdist humor and strange sci-fi elements.

Struggling actor John Person agrees to drive a blue suitcase from Los Angeles to the small town of Baker, Calif., and hand it over to a mysterious cowboy in return for having his credit card debt of $27,000 paid off. Upon his arrival, John can't find the cowboy but receives an ominously head-shaped package he's supposed to hang onto. While waiting, John gets close to Ruthie, whose psychotic boyfriend, Randy, keeps threatening to kill him.

Essence

Ensemble

Closest match

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same mood

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Go darker

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Something gentler

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Hidden gem

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.