🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Jason Momoa
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Release year: 2014
- Runtime (length): 1h 31min
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10 (5.7K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 0%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A dude on a motorcycle avenges his mom, makes a friend, and contemplates freedom while the FBI slightly tries to catch him.
🍿 Road to Paloma: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Wolf’s Vengeance and Flight
Wolf, a Native American man, takes justice into his own hands after his mother is brutally murdered and her rapist is released with a light sentence. He kills the perpetrator and becomes a fugitive. Haunted by the event, he plans to scatter his mother’s ashes in a sacred location.

Encountering Cash and Forming a Bond
While on the run, Wolf crosses paths with Cash, a down-on-his-luck musician dealing with personal struggles. They form an unlikely friendship and travel together across the American West. Cash becomes a valuable companion, providing support and camaraderie.

Pursuit by the FBI
As Wolf and Cash journey towards their destination, they are relentlessly pursued by two FBI agents, Williams and Kelly. One agent is conflicted about the case, while the other is determined to bring Wolf to justice, leading to increasing tension as they close in on Wolf.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Wolf (Jason Momoa): A Native American on the run, seeking to spread his mother’s ashes and grappling with the cost of justice after avenging her murder.
- Cash (Robert Homer Mollohan): A down-on-his-luck musician who befriends Wolf and joins him on his journey across the American West.
- Magdalena (Lisa Bonet): Wolf’s love interest who supports him on his journey.
- Eva (Sarah Shahi): A woman who encounters Wolf and Cash on their travels.
- FBI Agent Kelly (Lance Henriksen): A determined FBI agent on Wolf’s trail.
- FBI Agent Williams (Timothy V. Murphy): An FBI agent conflicted about pursuing Wolf, representing a more nuanced perspective on justice.
- Irish (Michael Raymond-James): A character encountered by Wolf and Cash during their travels.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Numay: “You know, you look like shit, boy.” – Wolf’s father makes this observation reflecting their complex and strained relationship.
- Wolf: “Yeah, feel like shit, dad.” – Wolf’s response to his father acknowledges his emotional state while on the run.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $600,000
- Domestic Gross: None
- Worldwide Gross: $2,191
💥 Road to Paloma Reviews
Personal Review
I wanted to like this more than I did. The scenery is gorgeous, and Momoa has charisma. But the story felt like it was wandering aimlessly. Some of the side plots just didn’t click for me, and I didn’t connect emotionally with any of the characters. The ending was a bummer too. I was expecting more from the directoral debut. While the visuals are good, overall it lacks real substance and impact. It just fell short of expectations.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Jason Momoa”
- “Viewers interested in road movies”
- “Those who enjoy indie dramas with Native American themes”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Brief nudity”
- “Rape”
- “Strong language”
Professional Reviews
- IMDB: “Momoa’s directorial debut has potential. The film offers stunning scenery and a gritty soundtrack, but suffers from a meandering plot. It evokes Easy Rider vibes but lacks depth, resulting in a visually appealing but ultimately unsatisfying experience.
- Movie Reviewer: “Road to Paloma is a visually impressive film with Jason Momoa’s presence. It does get points for originality. However, the movie lacks tension and emotional depth and the characters and story lack substance. It is well-intentioned effort but ultimately falls short of being a compelling watch.
Audience Reactions
The cinematography beautifully captures the American West.: Viewers praised the stunning visuals and scenery.
Jason Momoa’s performance, though charismatic, wasn’t enough to save the film.: Many found the plot slow-paced and lacking depth.
Overall Consensus: Road to Paloma is a visually appealing film with a charismatic lead, but struggles with a slow-paced and somewhat aimless plot. While some appreciate its themes of justice and redemption, many find it ultimately unsatisfying.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Jason Momoa made his directorial debut with ‘Road to Paloma’, showcasing his multifaceted talents as an actor, writer, director, and producer.”
- “The film was shot on a relatively low budget, highlighting the resourcefulness and creativity of the production team.”
- “The film explores themes of justice, redemption, and the struggles faced by Native Americans, reflecting Momoa’s passion for these issues.”
🖥️ How to Watch Road to Paloma?
Road to Paloma is currently available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray may also be available through online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Road to Paloma, you might like these similar films:
- Easy Rider (1969): Both films are road movies featuring bikers traveling across America, exploring themes of freedom and the search for meaning.
- Billy Jack (1971): Deals with a Native American protagonist confronting injustice and fighting for his community.
- The Rider (2017): Focuses on the life of a cowboy dealing with personal tragedy and his cultural heritage in modern day America.
🛒 Road to Paloma Related Products
- Road to Paloma [Blu-ray]: Own the visually stunning film on Blu-ray for the ultimate viewing experience.
- Jason Momoa Autographed Photo: A rare autographed photo of Jason Momoa, a valuable collectible for any fan.
- Native American Inspired Motorcycle Helmet: A motorcycle helmet with Native American inspired designs, a cool addition to a motorcycle enthusiasts gear.
- Native American Inspired Jewelry: Various Native American necklaces, bracelets and rings.
🎧 Soundtrack
Road to Paloma features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Road to Paloma was filmed in various locations across the American West, including Needles, California, and other desert landscapes that showcase the rugged beauty of the region.
The title Road to Paloma refers to Wolf’s journey to scatter his mother’s ashes at a place she requested before her death and is also symbolic of the long journey he undergoes while seeking redemption. ‘Paloma’ itself means ‘dove’, which can symbolize peace.
Road to Paloma was co-written by Jason Momoa, Robert Homer Mollohan, and Jonathan Hirschbein. Momoa also directed and starred in the film.
🔥 Bonus Content
Road to Paloma (exclusive riding clip featuring Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet!)
Ever wondered what it’s like to ride alongside Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet? Check out this exclusive riding clip from ‘Road to Paloma’! The scenery alone is worth the watch.
Road to Paloma SFF 2014 Interview
Want to get the inside scoop on ‘Road to Paloma’ straight from the source? Check out this interview from the Sarasota Film Festival! I always find these interviews super interesting, there’s so much you can learn about the movie-making process.
Jason Momoa
Curious about what inspired Jason Momoa to create ‘Road to Paloma’? This interview on FOX 5 New York gives you a glimpse into his creative process! It’s fascinating to hear him talk about his passion for the film.
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