Echo Valley is a decent enough thriller, though it never quite hits the heights it seems to be aiming for. It’s a shame it didn’t get a wider cinematic release—being on the big screen might’ve helped with the atmosphere. Like Hallow Road, it’s got that same mix of slightly unbelievable twists and messy decisions, all anchored by the idea of a parent doing whatever it takes for their child. Not great, but there’s enough here to keep you watching.
This is a decent crime thriller that has a solid cast and a twist and turn plot that is a little far fetched amplified by a lead character who makes some really daft decisions but overall it's very entertaining. Julianne Moore leads as Kate, a sad, lonely woman who is mired in grief for her recently deceased partner. She owns a small horse farm where she gives riding lessons but she is desperately short of money. Her only shining light is her wayward daughter, Claire (Sydney Sweeney), a spoiled drug addicted girl who only returns home when she's in need of money. When she arrives she unfortunately leads nasty drug dealer Jackie (Domhnall Gleeson) to Kate's ranch where he demands money. But this is nothing to what Claire and Jackie eventually lead Kate into. The film lags somewhat in the middle third and Sweeney isn't on screen for enough time even though her performance is really good when she is. Gleeson is suitably menacing and Fiona Shaw costars as Kate's one friend. Kyle MacLachlan has a cameo too. The climax is a solid twist and the film is a good thriller with a stand out cast and definitely worth checking out.