Downrange (2017) is a tense and minimalist survival thriller that strips its story down to raw fear and relentless pressure. The film opens with a group of young friends driving through a remote, desolate stretch of road when their car suddenly breaks down after hitting what appears to be a nail. What seems like a simple mechanical problem quickly turns into a nightmare as an unseen sniper opens fire, turning the empty highway into a deadly trap.

With no cell phone signal and nowhere to run, the group is forced to take cover behind their disabled vehicle. Panic spreads as they realize the shooter is methodical, patient, and positioned somewhere far beyond their reach. Each attempt to escape or seek help is met with precise gunfire, making every movement a potential death sentence. The open road, usually a symbol of freedom, becomes an exposed killing field where survival depends on stillness and split-second decisions.

As the sniper picks them off one by one, the film focuses on the psychological toll of fear and desperation. Arguments erupt among the survivors as trust begins to fracture under pressure. Old friendships are tested, and selfish instincts clash with moments of bravery and sacrifice. The characters are not given long backstories, but their reactions to danger reveal their true nature in brutally honest ways.

What makes Downrange especially unsettling is its lack of traditional exposition. The sniper’s identity, motives, and background remain largely unknown, transforming the antagonist into a faceless embodiment of cruelty. This choice amplifies the horror, as the threat feels random and unstoppable, like a force of nature rather than a human enemy. The sound design, dominated by sudden gunshots and eerie silence, keeps tension at a constant boil.

Visually, the film makes effective use of its limited setting. The wide, empty landscape contrasts sharply with the claustrophobic fear experienced by the characters pinned behind the car. Blood, broken glass, and bullet holes become grim markers of time passing, while the sun overhead offers no comfort, only exposure. The violence is abrupt and unforgiving, reinforcing the film’s grim tone.

By the end, Downrange delivers a bleak and nerve-shredding experience that prioritizes suspense over explanation. It is a story about vulnerability, randomness, and the thin line between life and death. Without moral lessons or comforting resolutions, the film leaves viewers shaken, reminding them how quickly an ordinary moment can descend into terror when there is nowhere left to hide.