Set against the backdrop of New York’s Catskill Mountains, Scott Goldberg’s 2023 film The Forest Hills explores what can happen when trauma and mental illness go unchecked. We’re drawn in from the opening scenes as Rico, played intensely by Chiko Mendez, descends into disturbing visions following a head injury. Surrounded by friend Billy and sister Emily, who try to support him, Rico struggles to distinguish reality from nightmare while haunted by memories from his past.
Director Goldberg takes a nuanced approach, crafting a layered narrative that’s part horror, part psychological drama. He doesn’t shy away from depicting Rico’s anguish yet also balances the darkness with moments of levity.
We see how childhood trauma can negatively impact people in different ways, as both Rico and Emily grapple with their own demons. Audiences are left guessing about what’s real as Rico’s grip on sanity slips. Meanwhile, Shelley Duvall delivers a powerful, understated performance in her comeback role as Rico’s caring but troubled mother.
The film handles its complex topics with subtlety and care. It reminds us that mental health issues can affect anyone yet also shows how family, therapy, and open communication can help. Goldberg sparks meaningful discussion around stigmas while still keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. For Duvall fans, it’s a treat to witness her talent again in such a nuanced portrayal. Overall, The Forest Hills offers an impactful psychological thriller that will leave movie lovers thinking long after.
Rico’s Struggle in The Forest Hills
We’re introduced to Rico, a man experiencing disturbing visions after sustaining a head injury while camping. Still grappling with the trauma, Rico’s mental state is not helped by his belief that he’s transforming into a werewolf. His friend Billy encourages this delusion, despite Rico’s sister Emily seeking to get her brother the help he needs.
Emily is deeply concerned for Rico following the accident in the woods. Not only did he suffer physical injury, but it’s clear his mental well-being is deteriorating as strange visions and hallucinations start to overtake him. She tries talking to Rico about attending therapy for those with past head trauma. For a time, it seems this group support is having a positive impact on Rico as he shares his experiences and works on processing his trauma.
However, Rico’s condition continues to worsen. His bizarre visions grow more frequent and intense, leaving him unable to distinguish reality from imagination. Billy remains a negative influence, feeding Rico’s belief that he is a werewolf rather than encouraging him to accept medical help. As Rico descends further into madness, his memory and grip on the present slip away. He grows increasingly volatile, lashing out at those trying to help him as paranoia and delusions take over.
Desperate to help her brother in any way she can, Emily does everything in her power to support Rico. But his mental state has deteriorated too far beyond anyone’s control. When well-meaning interventions start placing others in danger, Rico realizes the only option is to remove himself from the situation entirely. He goes into hiding, lost deeper than ever within the troubling recesses of his damaged mind.
Masterfully Guiding The Forest Hills
Scott Goldberg tackled no easy task in directing The Forest Hills, blending complex themes of mental illness with thriller and horror tropes. However, guiding the film with a nuanced touch, Goldberg balanced heavy emotional moments with lighter scenes that grounded the story. This approach gave audiences moments to breathe while still keeping them invested in the engaging characters and unsettling situations.
Goldberg also seamlessly wove disparate genres like drama, psychological thrillers, and supernatural elements into a cohesive narrative. He strategically paced the revelation of plot details to constantly surprise audiences throughout the film’s runtime. Meanwhile, the director capitalized on the haunting backdrop of New York’s Catskill Mountains. Its brooding forests wrapped the disturbing storyline like a shroud.
In terms of aesthetics, Goldberg was aided by polished cinematography that enhanced the immersive viewing experience. Strategic camerawork and artistic lighting heightened tension during unnerving sequences. Special effects work also shone, with particularly creepy moments leaving impressions.
While audio quality drew some criticism, with refining, technical flaws shouldn’t overshadow the ambitious storytelling and layered directional achievements of The Forest Hills. Goldberg demonstrated skill for exploring profound themes through horror’s lens.
Captivating Commitments in The Forest Hills
Shelley Duvall offered a breath of fresh air to Scott Goldberg’s The Forest Hills with her unforgettable return to screens. Despite limited runtime, Duvall’s nuanced performance as Mama left an indelible impression. Viewers could feel her character’s tumultuous inner world through every gesture—a true masterclass in subtlety.
Playing the troubled Rico, Chiko Mendez plunged headfirst into raw portrayal, holding nothing back as his character lost touch with reality.
As supportive friend Billy, Edward Furlong grounded the story amidst the psychologically-fueled chaos. His understated line delivery complemented Mendez’s fervor, balancing precarious moments with compassion.
Veterans Anita Durst and Dee Wallace stole scenes, infusing hearts into minor roles. They breathed authenticity into parts that could’ve felt stock, reminding viewers of performing’s transformative power.
However, other actors fell shy of the film’s ambitions at times. While passion was clear, certain performances lacked the careful shading seen in Duvall or Mendez’s gripping works. Nuanced direction may have lifted these stretches.
Still, Goldberg can be proud for coaxing such daring portrayals from his cast, especially resurrecting Duvall’s long-absent magic. The Forest Hills proves compelling actors can elevate any production by losing themselves in disturbing, moving stories.
Disturbing Depths Beneath The Surface
The Forest Hills delved into profound themes that gave the unsettling story resonating impact. From the shadows of the Catskill Woods emerged troubling discussions around mental health stigmas and trauma and how they manifest.
Goldberg shed light on the harrowing depths of untreated illness through Rico’s disturbing dismantling. But he balanced those dark notes with messages of survival—how family and society impact recovery journeys. Emily and group therapy showed light can permeate even those overwhelmed by darkness.
Supernatural elements like werewolf visions amplified the theme of losing grasp on reality amid crises. But they also highlighted how society casts those perceiving life differently as ‘other.’ The film challenged us to broaden our acceptance of diverse experiences.
These thoughtful inclusions started conversations that extended The Forest Hills’ unsettling reach far beyond mere thrills. It stirred reflection on relations between fiction and real-world issues like health, grief, and healing.
Ultimately, Goldberg’s subtle weaving of heavy topics into the genre blend gave the unsettling story resonance that will persist in minds after final scenes fade. The film peeled back layers of facade to probe society’s heart and spark thought on how we can build more empowering understandings together.
Striking Successes and Room for Improvement in the Forest Hills
Scott Goldberg took on lofty goals with The Forest Hills that both succeeded and stumbled at times. Shelley Duvall’s unforgettable return and the film’s impactful themes of mental health left strong impressions. Blending genres seamlessly to craft a complex narrative showed promise in Goldberg’s vision.
However, a meandering pace with drawn-out scenes felt unnecessary. While the director secured an impressive cast, some performances lacked nuance that may have heightened tension. Audio quality also interrupted the viewing experience at various points. With refining, such technical flaws could be remedied for future audiences.
But kudos to Goldberg for finishing and releasing his ambitious independent film at all. Few aspiring filmmakers achieve that milestone. His exploration of profound topics through a supernatural lens was creatively executed and sparked valuable discussions.
With minor pruning and polish, The Forest Hills’ impactful storytelling may have fully gripped viewers. But Goldberg should feel proud for creating a work where raw elements like themes and Shelley Duvall’s stunning return still shone through to captivate discerning genre fans. His film’s merits showcased the talent and promise within waiting for the right platform to blossom fully.
The Forest Hills’ Lingering Resonance
Scott Goldberg took on no small task with The Forest Hills, probing complex issues of mental health against a backdrop of suspense and horror. While not flawless, the film’s strengths of Duvall’s unforgettable performance and thought-provoking themes have stuck with me after numerous viewings.
Mendez left it all on the screen in his raw, unflinching portrayal of Rico’s unraveling. Both actors’ commitments, alongside Furlong and Durst’s supporting work, lent the independent production memorable performances that elevated Goldberg’s ambitious vision.
With refinements, the director’s craftsmanship in integrating genres and weaving a psychologically disturbing story could shine through even brighter for wider audiences. But The Forest Hills’ impact was not solely in entertainment; by starting discussions around stigma and healing, it demonstrated cinema’s power to spark real change.
For those drawn to independent films Pushing boundaries and exploring life’s depths, I believe The Forest Hills offers a compelling watch. Its merits showcased in Goldberg, Duvall, and Mendez’s boundary-pushing work warrant appreciation that I hope continues growing over time. Most of all, the film serves as a poignant reminder of the stories still left to tell.
The Review
The Forest Hills
The Forest Hills delivers an unsettling story with memorable performances at its core, though room for polish remains. Ultimately, director Scott Goldberg achieves his ambitious goal of provoking thought on society and mental health through genre blending, making its discussion-starting merits more than compensate for technical bumps.
PROS
- Shelley Duvall's unforgettable performance
- Thought-provoking exploration of mental health themes
- Efforts to reduce stigma through representation
- Ambitious genre blending narrative
- Committed lead performance by Chiko Mendez
CONS
- Uneven pacing with some draggy filler scenes
- Inconsistent acting abilities outside leads
- Room for improvement in audio/technical qualities
- Could be polished to fully realize ambitions
