The film is set in New Mexico , and strongly implies that a large number of atmospheric nuclear weapon tests were performed in that state . In fact , the only atmospheric nuclear detonation in New Mexico was the Trinity test , the first test of a nuclear device conducted on July 16 , 1945 . The United States carried out most of its atmospheric nuclear weapons tests at the Nevada Test Site and in the Marshall Islands at the lagoons of Bikini and Eniwetok , between 1946 and 1962 . The theatrical poster shows Vinessa Shaw 's character lying down with a mutant hand on her face
Trinity test
Trinity (nuclear test)
The Hills Have Eyes (2006 film)