Nightmare in the Desert (2024): Release date, cast, plot, and everything you need to know

Nightmare in the Desert (2024) is set to be Lifetime's thrilling new movie, slated for release on Sunday, September 15, at 8p/7c. Inspired by real-life events, the film takes viewers on the horrific journey of Shae, a young woman returning to her hometown following the death of her father. The duration of this mystery-thriller is 1h 30m.

Shae's intentions for a quiet reconciliation with her past take a fatal turn when a mysterious man starts stalking Shae and her boyfriend, Chris, across the desolate desert. With just a simple hike turning into a life-threatening pursuit, the movie promises suspenseful drama.

The official synopsis of the film mentions as per Lifetime,

"After returning to her childhood home outside Joshua Tree National Park, an outdoor enthusiast and her urbanite boyfriend are secretly tracked through the desert by a mysterious figure hellbent on preventing the boyfriend’s surprise proposal–even if it means murder."

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Nightmare in the Desert: What is it about?

Nightmare in the Desert centers around Shae, portrayed by Gia De Sauvage, as she revisits her home from her youth near Joshua Tree National Park. She feels that selling the family house will help them find closure and move on after the death of her father.

Accompanied by her boyfriend Chris, played by Tristan J. Watson, the couple sets off on a trail in the park hoping to spend quality time together. Chris plans to propose on this trip. However, the couple quickly discovers that a mysterious man has been following them with lethal intent. Their romantic hike becomes an uninviting struggle for survival.

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The cast of Nightmare in the Desert

The cast of Nightmare in the Desert brings together fresh talent, with Gia De Sauvage leading as Shae. The film is De Sauvage's debut in a leading role after she recently made a cameo appearance in Lifetime's Sister Wife Murder.

Tristan J. Watson plays Chris, Shae's boyfriend, who seemingly stands by her through the highs and lows of the movie. It is Watson's first major role in a film. Other important cast members include:

• Allen Williamson as Burke Elder
• Kyla Nova as Rachel Albies
• Craig Stepp as Larry Jones
• Robert Solomon as Finn
• Sasha Rose Kaminsky as Tiffany

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Who are the makers behind this Lifetime thriller film?

An imagery for the desert (Image via Joshua Sortino/Unsplash)

Produced by Johnson Production Group and directed by Sam Irvin, Nightmare in the Desert is written by Richard Pierce. Executive producers Timothy O. Johnson and Joseph Wilka, along with co-executive producer Lisa Frye Alford, bring their expertise to this intense thriller.

The film not only serves as a suspenseful tale of survival but also highlights the beauty and danger of the desert landscape. With actual events as inspiration, the narrative plays on the fear of isolation and the unknown. The desert backdrop of the film, located near Joshua Tree National Park, brings in the feel of desolation and vulnerability that the characters encounter.

Nightmare in the Desert will be premiered on Lifetime on September 15 at 8p/7c.