The Big Empty 2003
"Cowboys. Aliens. Blue suitcases and bowling balls. Strange things are happening out in the middle of nowhere."
In *The Big Empty (2003)*, Steve Anderson crafts a quirky blend of comedy, drama, and sci-fi mystery that unfolds in the sun-bleached expanse of the California desert.
Director: Steve Anderson
Cast
Jon Favreau
John Person
Joey Lauren Adams
Grace
Rachael Leigh Cook
Ruthie
Daryl Hannah
Stella
Kelsey Grammer
Agent Banks
Sean Bean
Cowboy
Melora Walters
Candy
Bud Cort
Neely
Jon Gries
Elron
Adam Beach
Randy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Big Empty (2003) about?
*The Big Empty* follows John Person, an actor drowning in debt who takes a bizarre job delivering a mysterious suitcase across the desert. Upon arrival in a desolate town, he's left waiting for a cowboy who never shows—only to receive a chilling package he's told to hold onto. As local tensions rise, John questions whether the package, the cowboy, or the town itself holds greater danger.
Who directed The Big Empty?
Steve Anderson helmed *The Big Empty*, blending offbeat humor and eerie sci-fi elements into this indie dramedy.
Who stars in The Big Empty?
The film features Jon Favreau and Joey Lauren Adams as the leads, with notable turns from Rachael Leigh Cook, Daryl Hannah, Kelsey Grammer, and Sean Bean.
Is The Big Empty (2003) worth watching?
While not a mainstream hit, *The Big Empty* offers a refreshingly quirky take on mystery and sci-fi, buoyed by strong performances and an atmospheric desert setting. Fans of offbeat indie films like *The Big Lebowski* or *Donnie Darko* might find it a rewarding oddity, despite its uneven pacing.
How long is The Big Empty?
The runtime of *The Big Empty* is 95 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Big Empty (2003) — Comedy, Mystery & Sci-Fi in the California Desert
In *The Big Empty (2003)*, Steve Anderson crafts a quirky blend of comedy, drama, and sci-fi mystery that unfolds in the sun-bleached expanse of the California desert. Struggling actor John Person takes a deal he can't refuse—deliver a mysterious blue suitcase to a cowboy in exchange for wiping out his $27,000 debt. What starts as a simple road trip spirals into a surreal wait in the desolate town of Baker, where ominous packages and a volatile local thug keep John on edge. As he bonds with the enigmatic Ruthie, tensions rise, blurring the lines between small-town paranoia and something far stranger.
Directed with offbeat charm by Anderson, this indie gem balances dark humor and existential dread, anchored by a standout cast. The film's oddball premise—where cowboys, aliens, and everyday absurdities collide—creates a tone that's equal parts off-kilter and compelling. With its dusty atmospherics and off-the-wall twists, *The Big Empty* is a cult curiosity for fans of unconventional storytelling.
