If you are a Joaquin Phoenix fan, I assume you’ve watched his movie Reservation Road (2007). The crime drama film narrates the story of two families. Their lives turn upside down after a fatal tragedy occurs in broad daylight. In this article, I’ll discuss the movie and tell you where was Reservation Road filmed.
I have noticed that many people, after watching the movie, became quite curious about where it was filmed. They wanted to know if there actually was a road called Reservation Road. Well, you are about to find out if there is one. Just hold your horses, and I will tell you all about it.
Reservation Road features Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Ruffalo in the lead roles. The other central characters in the crime drama film are played by Jennifer Connelly, Mira Sorvino, Elle Fanning, and Eddie Alderson. The movie unquestionably showcases a brilliant cast. Well, when there are three Academy Award-winning and Primetime Award-winning actors in a movie, you get an idea of how the movie will turn out.
Now let me address your question regarding where was Reservation Road filmed; the multi-starrer crime drama movie was filmed in Connecticut, United States of America.
From director Terry George, Reservation Road premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on 13 September 2007, followed by its release in the US on 19 October 2007. The crime drama flick was also released on various streaming platforms on 8 May 2015. However, let’s give you a detailed account of the filming locations.
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Where Was Reservation Road Filmed? Reservation Road Filming Locations!

Terry George’s Reservation Road wasn’t a big success at the box office. Still, it was certainly well-received by critics, who not only praised the movie’s unexpected plot twist but also applauded Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Ruffalo’s outstanding performance. Terry George is an Irish filmmaker and screenwriter who has won an Oscar for his live-action short film, The Shore.
The crime drama film got an IMDb rating of 6.6 and an audience score of 52% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, let us jump right into the details of where was Reservation Road filmed.
Connecticut, United States Of America

Most of the crime drama film Reservation Road was filmed in Stamford, Connecticut. Most of the vital scenes in the movie were filmed in and around the state of Connecticut. Only a handful of scenes were shot in Annapolis in Maryland and Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.
Principal photography of Reservation Road commenced in October 2006. After shooting some scenes in Maryland, the production team moved to the primary filming location, Connecticut. The gas station scene in the movie where Ethan’s son Josh was hit by Dwight’s car was filmed in Easton, Connecticut. It is a small suburban town which is situated in Fairfield County. Some other scenes were filmed in Easton’s Blue Bird Inn Restaurant.
A few scenes were filmed at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut. It is one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the United States. It was opened to the public in 1846. Some of the scenes were filmed nearby at Cove Island Park in Stamford. It is an 83-acre park with a recreation area.
A couple of sequences were also filmed in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. It is an island situated in the northeastern part of America. Movies like The Family Stone, Revolutionary Road, War of the Worlds, and The Conjuring were also shot in Connecticut.
Plot Of Reservation Road (2007) | Everything Can Change In A Matter Of Second!

The story of Reservation Road follows Ethan Lerner, played by Joaquin Phoenix. Ethan, a college professor and father of two, has seen his son Josh’s stage performance with his wife Grace and daughter Emma. While returning home with his family from his son’s cello recital, they stop at a gas station on Reservation Road.
On the same day, Dwight Arno, played by Mark Ruffalo, a lawyer, is returning home from his son Lucas’ baseball game. When another car suddenly overtakes him, Dwight loses control for a few seconds and hits Josh, Ehtan’s son, who was standing on the side of the road. He panics, and instead of getting out of the car, he drives away. But unfortunately, Josh dies in the accident.
Ethan was the only person to see Dwight’s face. Soon, the investigation began. Eventually, two fathers are forced to make the most difficult decision of their lives.
Final Words
At first, Connecticut might not seem like an amazing place, but many other movies like Reservation Road were filmed here. If you haven’t visited the state yet, you have a reason to. The crime drama film is highly recommended, and if you happen to be a Mark Ruffalo or Joaquin Phoenix fan, try not to miss out on it.
Also, keep in mind that the movie showcases a number of violent scenes and disturbing images. So, do not allow anyone under 18 to watch it. And if you wish to read more such articles, then keep on visiting the Viebly website.
For Which Movie Joaquin Phoenix Won An Oscar?
Joaquin Phoenix won an Oscar for the movie Joker in 2019.
Has Mark Ruffalo Worked With Martin Scorsese?
Yes, Mark Ruffalo has worked with Martin Scorsese in the movie Shutter Island.
Is Reservation Road Available To Stream On Netflix?
No, Reservation Road is not available to stream on Netflix.
Is Reservation Road An R-rated film?
Yes, Reservation Road is an R-rated film.
Who Wrote The Screenplay Of Reservation Road?
John Burnham Schwartz and Terry George wrote the screenplay of Reservation Road.
Which Are The Top 3 Joaquin Phoenix Films?
The Master, Joker, and Don’t Worry He Won’t Get Far On Foot are the top 3 Joaquin Phoenix films.
Is Reservation Road Based On A Book?
Yes, Reservation Road is based on the 1998 book of the same name by John Burnham Schwartz.