A One Mann’s Movies review of “Peaks and Valleys” (2020).

Bob the Movie Man Rating:

How to watch it:

“Peaks and Valleys” is available to rent on Amazon Prime. Here is the link in the UK, and the link in the US.

A road stretching into the distance in Alaska.

A long road to civilization. The Alaskan wilderness looking fabulous. (Source: 1964 Motion Pictures)

Plot Summary:

In “Peaks and Valleys”, Jack (Kevin T. Bennett) is living as a recluse in a remote cabin in Alaska. His solitude is rudely interrupted by a plane which drops a naked, trussed-up and drugged-up girl into his lake. Traumatised by her experiences, the girl (Bailey, played by Kitty Mahoney) is unwilling to trust the man. But trust him she must, since they are in the Alaskan wilderness and Jack tells her that the supply plane might not come for a couple of months.

How and why was Bailey dumped from the plane? Why is Jack living all alone in the wilderness, and why is he packing a hand-gun? As tempers fray, can the pair survive each other’s company? All intriguing questions that demand answers.

Jack with guitar looking thoughtful

Jack was trying to play Pharell’s “Happy”, but just wasn’t getting the right vibe. (Source: 1964 Motion Pictures)

Certification:

US: -. UK: -. (I would rate this as a UK ’15’)

Talent:

Starring:  Kevin T. Bennett; Kitty Mahoney; Ted Carney.

Directed by: Michael Burns.

Written by: Michael B. Dillon.

Two figures trudging across an ice lake

Gone fishin’, Alaskan style. (Source: 1964 Motion Pictures)

Review:

Positives:

  • Although it’s only a low-budget Indie-film, it has an intriguing premise that packs a punch above its weight. Since although the story is told in a linear way, the script includes ‘asides’ – told either through imagined conversations or dreams – that create a jigsaw of questions for the viewer. And the dynamic between Jack and Bailey develops in an interesting way. Overall, I was intrigued to see how the questions raised would pan out.
  • I’m often disappointed that the acting in these types of Indie films is below par. To a large degree, this is not the case here. Kevin Bennett is very believable as the crusty old backwoodsman. And Kitty Mahoney, in her movie debut, delivers a smashing performance. She has real screen-presence. I’m not sure if this was a “one off” for her, or if she intends to pursue an acting career: but I really hope it’s the latter.
  • Another star of the show is the dramatic Alaskan landscapes, lovingly photographed by cinematographer Bryan Pentecostes. Some of the shots are just “double-WOW”! The movie is a wonderful piece of PR for the Alaskan Tourist Board, for sure.
  • Michael Dillon’s script avoids clichés and lazy wins. It would be an easy plot point to see the vulnerable young Bailey sexually exploited by the older man. But very much on topic, following the debate around “Promising Young Woman” and earning the film a welcome #notallmen hashtag, Jack makes it abundantly clear that this is not a route we’re going to go down.
  • The clever script also has some nice lines that resonate: “We can’t change the wrong that’s been done to us.” growls Jack, “But we’re damned if we don’t let it change us”. But amongst the philosophical sound-bytes, the script also finds time to have some light-hearted fun at times. A nice scene to emphasise the growing relationship and mutual respect between the pair is when Jack teaches Bailey to ice-fish. Jack examines Bailey’s amateurish efforts. “It ain’t the prettiest hole, but I’d stick my pole in it” he says. “I bet you say that to all the girls” quips back Bailey.
  • I enjoyed the music by Evan Evans very much too. There’s also a nice song over the end credits by Gregory Alan Isakov as well.
  • Finally, a special shout-out to Garrett Martin for some very well done and quease-inducing injury make-up.
Bailey looking out at the snow.

Beautiful. And Kitty Maloney’s easy on the eye too! Jaw-dropping Alaskan scenery expertly captured by Bryan Pentecostes. (Source: 1964 Motion Pictures)

Negatives:

  • For all the good aspects about the script, there are a few times, particularly early on in Jack and Bailey’s relationship, where I found the exchanges between them forced and unconvincing. This was sometimes down to the script, and sometimes down to over-stretching the acting abilities of the cast.
  • The dramatic finale – although surprising and satisfying – relies on some rather unbelievable timing.
Jack lies in the snow.

Mid-winter tension for Bailey and Jack. (Source: 1964 Motion Pictures)

Summary Thoughts on “Peaks and Valleys”:

When I start watching a low-budget Indie film, I tend to set my expectations accordingly. Often the acting is naff; the script will be hand-gnawingly awful; and/or the production values are found wanting. I was really pleasantly surprised that this movie ticked the “none of the above” box. And yes, there were a few rough edges here and there, but I’ve seen multi-million pound Hollywood blockbusters that were far worse. Michael Burns has delivered a tight and intriguing movie that sensibly sticks to a 96 minute run time, such that I was never bored.

I really enjoyed this one and recommend it. It’s a wilderness thriller that punches well above its weight. If you watch it, I’d be interested in your views.

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Frank C
Frank C
24 days ago

I did not understand the ending. Will someone please explain

Trailer:

The trailer for “Peaks and Valleys” is here: https://youtu.be/59m6fxq4gg8 .

By bobwp

Dr Bob Mann lives in Hampshire in the UK. Now retired from his job as an IT professional, he is owner of One Mann's Movies and an enthusiastic reviewer of movies as "Bob the Movie Man". Bob is also a regular film reviewer on BBC Radio Solent.

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Frank C
Frank C
24 days ago

I did not understand the ending. Will someone please explain

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