A new ghost story titled Went Up the Hill delves into the complexities of familial relationships and unresolved emotions. Directed by Samuel Van Grinsven, the film unfolds during a funeral, setting the stage for a narrative rich in mystery and introspection.
Set against the backdrop of New Zealand’s hauntingly beautiful landscapes, the film opens with Jack (played by Dacre Montgomery) attending the memorial of his estranged mother, Elizabeth, a renowned architect. The austere entry hall of the grand house she designed serves as the setting for this poignant affair. Elizabeth’s wife, Jill (portrayed by Vicki Krieps), is rumored to have invited Jack, but as events unfold, the truth becomes increasingly ambiguous.
Jack’s arrival is met with disapproval from Elizabeth’s sister, Helen (played by Sarah Peirse), suggesting a family dynamic fraught with tension. Despite this, Jack stays behind with Jill, both seeking to confront the emotional remnants left by Elizabeth’s life and death. The film captures a pervasive sense of gloom, echoed in its long silences and minimal dialogue, reminiscent of the work of Ingmar Bergman, particularly his film Persona.
Unearthing Shadows and Secrets
Van Grinsven, alongside co-writer Jory Anast, crafts a narrative that unfolds slowly, inviting viewers to navigate the shadowy corridors of both the house and the characters’ pasts. The film’s visual style relies heavily on muted tones, primarily shades of grey, with occasional bursts of color that serve to heighten emotional moments.
The dialogue throughout Went Up the Hill is deliberately sparse, steering away from conventional conversational exchanges. Instead, the film employs dreamlike sequences that hint at Elizabeth’s lingering presence. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that both Jack and Jill are grappling with their own connections to Elizabeth’s spirit, revealing their individual struggles to come to terms with their memories of her.
Jack, who grew up in foster care, clings to the hope that Elizabeth regretted her decision to give him up. Jill, on the other hand, faces her own troubling recollections, seeking peace in a realm where the past continues to haunt the present.
The film effectively uses its setting to amplify themes of isolation and introspection, which are hallmarks of what one producer describes as “the cinema of unease.” As Jack and Jill explore the house and their complicated feelings, viewers are drawn into a world where the boundaries between the living and the dead blur, and the quest for understanding becomes a haunting journey.
Conclusion: A Journey Through Grief
Went Up the Hill provides a thought-provoking exploration of grief, memory, and the intricate ties that bind us to those we have lost. With its evocative storytelling, striking visuals, and a haunting score, the film stands as a testament to the power of unresolved emotions. As audiences engage with Jack and Jill’s profound experiences, they are invited to reflect on their own connections to the past, making for an impactful cinematic experience.
