Valley of Shadows is a 2017 Norwegian movie directed by Jonas Matzow Gulbrandsen. The film tells the story of a young boy named Aslak who believes that a mystical creature roams the woods outside his small village. Aslak sets out on a journey to find the beast and prove its existence to the skeptical villagers, and the film explores themes of innocence, solitude, and the power of imagination.
The movie opens with sparse shots of the idyllic village from the air, with majestic peaks in the distance painting a picture of a peaceful and secluded community. Aslak, played by young actor Adam Ekeli, lives with his single mother and their dog in a small wooden cabin on the outskirts of town. The early scenes depict Aslak's daily life, with him playing in the woods and exploring the nearby river.
Aslak's peaceful existence is disrupted when he learns of a mysterious creature called the "lurking one." The rumors and legends surrounding the creature have spread throughout the village until Aslak can no longer ignore them. At first, Aslak approaches the creature with curiosity and wonder, wondering if it might be a friendly, misunderstood entity. But as his journey progresses, he begins to suspect that the beast may be something darker and more sinister.
Aslak's journey leads him deeper into the wilderness, through forests, mountains, and rocky wastelands. Along the way, he encounters a cast of characters who help and hinder his quest. His dog, a loyal companion, is always by his side, while a few other villagers he meets are less supportive of his journey. The other actors' performances are all solid, especially John Olav Nilsen as a farmer who offers Aslak a place to stay and befriends him.
The cinematography throughout the film is breathtaking, with stunning shots of the Norwegian countryside that capture the grandeur and danger of the natural world. The film is intentionally slow-paced, with long, scenic shots and moments of contemplation allowing the audience to get lost in the beauty of the environment.
Valley of Shadows is a haunting and atmospheric film that captures the timeless power of imagination and our connection to the natural world. Its themes are universal, and the story is one that any viewer can relate to, whether they are a child discovering the forest for the first time or an adult looking back on their own childhood adventures in the wilderness.
Overall, Valley of Shadows is a beautiful film that will resonate with viewers who appreciate slow-paced storytelling and strong visual imagery. The movie tells an engrossing story with a solid plot, and the performances by the actors are all uniformly good. It's understandable why the film has won awards at several different festivals, including the Reykjavik International Film Festival and Denver Film Fest, during its run.
Valley of Shadows is a 2018 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.
