
Far from Home 1989
"One boy wants her love. One boy wants her dead."
In Meiert Avis's tense 1989 thriller *Far from Home*, a desperate cross-country road trip takes a terrifying turn when a father's car runs out of gas in a bleak Nevada town.
Director: Meiert Avis
Cast










Frequently Asked Questions
What is Far from Home (1989) about?
When Charlie Cox's car breaks down in a desolate Nevada town, he and his daughter Joleen are forced to take shelter in a run-down trailer park. There, Joleen catches the eye of two teenage boys—one with romantic intentions, the other with a darker fixation tied to a local serial killer on the loose.
Who directed Far from Home?
Meiert Avis directed *Far from Home*, bringing a gritty, atmospheric style that heightens the film's suspenseful tone.
Who stars in Far from Home?
The film features Matt Frewer as Charlie Cox, Drew Barrymore as Joleen, alongside supporting turns from Richard Masur, Karen Austin, and Susan Tyrrell.
Is Far from Home (1989) worth watching?
Though lacking a major studio polish, *Far from Home* offers tight suspense and strong performances that make it a solid pick for '80s thriller fans. Its claustrophobic setting and slow-burn tension reward patience, even if the payoff isn't explosive.
How long is Far from Home?
The runtime for *Far from Home* is 86 minutes, a brisk and engaging thriller that fits neatly into a single evening.
🎥 Trailer
About Far from Home (1989) — A Father's Worst Nightmare in a Nevada Ghost Town
In Meiert Avis's tense 1989 thriller *Far from Home*, a desperate cross-country road trip takes a terrifying turn when a father's car runs out of gas in a bleak Nevada town. Charlie Cox and his teenage daughter Joleen find themselves stranded at a decaying trailer park, where Joleen's innocent charm attracts the unwanted attention of two volatile local boys—one seeking love, the other harboring deadly intentions. As the night unfolds, the line between teenage drama and sinister motive blurs, leaving Charlie racing to uncover the truth before tragedy strikes. With dimly lit motels, flickering neon signs, and the oppressive weight of isolation, this atmospheric thriller taps into the universal fears of vulnerability and trust in unfamiliar places.
Dripping with suspense and anchored by strong performances from Matt Frewer and Drew Barrymore, *Far from Home (1989)* delivers a gripping, low-budget gem that thrives on psychological tension and small-town menace. The film's stripped-down setting amplifies the unease, making every encounter feel charged with possibility—and danger. It's a forgotten '80s thriller that lingers long after the credits roll, a testament to how mood and character can eclipse bigger budgets.