Echo Valley

Synopsis: Kate's secluded life is interrupted by her troubled daughter when she shows up frightened and covered in someone's blood. As Kate unravels the truth, she learns how far she'll go for her child.

Movie Review: 

"Echo Valley," directed by Michael Pearce, is an original mystery thriller that showcases some impressive performances from its cast. However, despite its intriguing plot, the film ultimately falls short due to unlikable characters, subpar writing, and a disappointing twist.

One of my main issues with the film is that it often feels dull and tedious, making it a struggle to get through. Julianne Moore shines as Kate Garrett, a middle-aged woman grappling with tragedy while running a horse ranch. Her emotional depth and heartbreaking backstory make her the standout character in the film.

Fiona Shaw also delivers a remarkable performance as Jessie Oliver, Kate’s friend. The chemistry between Shaw and Moore is palpable, lending a sense of realism and emotional weight to their friendship.

Domhnall Gleeson takes on the role of Jackie, a drug dealer, and he brings a chilling intensity to the character, making him a truly menacing villain. Sydney Sweeney plays Claire, Kate’s troubled daughter, and her performance is both disturbing and emotionally charged. She convincingly portrays a drug addict, showcasing one of her stronger performances to date. However, Claire can be unlikable at times—whiny and demanding money—which makes it hard to root for her.

One of my biggest gripes with "Echo Valley" is the misleading marketing. The film was promoted as a poignant exploration of the mother-daughter relationship, but Sweeney's character is barely present throughout the movie, feeling underutilized after an intriguing first half.

The ending, unfortunately, left much to be desired and felt like a letdown. Overall, "Echo Valley" is a lackluster thriller that, while featuring some great performances, suffers from a weak story. I’d rate it 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Director: Michael Pearce 

Cast: Julianne Moore, Sydney Sweeney, Domhall Gleeson, Kyle MacLachlan, Fiona Shaw, Edmund Donovan, Rebecca Creskoff, Audrey Grace Marshall, Katya Campbell, Melanie Nicholls-King and Albert Jones 

Runtime: 105 Minutes