(14JUN25) It’s been ages since I’ve done a film or a TV series review! Though, this film that I recently watched over the weekend (literally the day after landing in London) has been very dear to me as it’s starred by Sydney Sweeney.♡ This is the first film of hers that I’ve got hooked on their whole press journey and let alone, they even stretched it here in the UK but unfortunately, I was travelling when it happened!😔 I know I’m overreacting but I’m still grieving on it until now that I wasn’t able to attend it. In fact, there were other opportunities that I missed which I will share in this entry.
But going back to Sydney, she has been a huge addition to my favorites since I watched her in “Anyone But You”. Currently, this film called “Echo Valley” which she starred with Julianne Moore is a psychological thriller about how far a mother could go for to save her child—the usual summary that these 2 celebrities spill out during their interviews. And indeed, it is eerie, shocking and intense which made me covered my eyes on some scenes—well I won’t fully spoil why but here’s my film critic and a little take of their promotional leg.
NB: all thoughts are of my own; photo credits to their rightful owners.
I generally got to watch “Echo Valley” in Picturehouse Central in London Leicester Square and it’s one of the selected theatres that will air the film for a week. It was also my first time to watch in this cinema and I do find it pricey (19 quid!). The service was even similar from other known movie houses however, I think they have membership discounts. They also show other European films (not sure if they are Indie ones) as they aired a trailer of a Russian film.
Anyway, I would say that “Echo Valley” has a simple storyline with a thrilling climax. It’s true that Julianne and Sydney could spoil the climatic twist if they talk further about their characters. I even felt that the trailer already gave too much spills having watched the whole movie! Moreover, I find that Julianne Moore is the overall star of this film. She really delivered her role so well as a mom(Kate) who’d go beyond for her daughter despite how vicious she is. Sydney Sweeney being the daughter (Claire) who’s suffering from addiction also played it well even without my bias reaction. I bet the screaming roles really suit her!
I love this scene which is the latter part of the trailer where she and Julianne are on a heated fight. It was so eye-catching to the point that I got more hooked on how this story will unfold. I also kinda find it relatable although I’m not an addict--but I do need money. 😝
The story began in featuring how Kate was running the Echo Valley ranch by maintaining it and doing horse riding lessons. There were side-story scenes like when her partner was still alive and fun moments with her friend, Leslie played by Fiona Shaw. Then the plot thickens when Claire appeared with blood stain and then comes Domnhall Gleeson’s character (Jackie) giving the suspenseful taste. My eyes were half covered during Domnhall and Julianne’s intense scenes and that’s what made it more interesting for me. There were moments that I got confused on the plot twist (or I guess it’s just me being jetlagged). While the ending seemed like a cliffhanger of whether the mom and daughter will reunite with the hopes of the latter changing her values? I mean I wish that’d be it! I personally think that they should have given a backstory for Claire as well but it seemed like it swirls around the story of a mom’s sacrifice. Nevertheless, it’s a unique film and I highly recommend it!
This is pretty much, the first time that I fully supported a promotional tour since I became a fan of Sydney Sweeney. I watched all the interviews, behind the scenes, etc. I also had an opportunity to watch The Kelly Clarkson Show again where she was their guest—But sadly, I had to decline the invite as I was already booked to travel back home in Philippines. It may sound overreacting, but I really cried the moment that I needed to turn it down.😓
My 2 idols in one frame!🥹❤️
And another missed event was their London press leg; I was in Taiwan when I found that out. As much as I wanted to cut my holiday short, it’s obviously an irrational move so I just bawled it out again.😭
(10JUN25) “Echo Valley” London Premiere Event—I think I’m gonna collapse if I was here. And it’s awesome that Sydney’s brother came!
I just loved how she stayed here for a week doing radio interviews and attended an opening event for Miu Miu New Bond Street! Despite that I feel bad for missing these, I am forever proud of what Sydney has achieved from all of it.♡ She just have to return to London the soonest!
So with that, don’t forget to subscribe at AppleTV+ and watch this thrilla!
‘til then!
