Lawrence Lannoo’s black and white horror, ‘Hills Before Valleys’ delves deep into the psyche of a bitter insurance specialist, convincingly portrayed by Alex Dafoe. The film weaves a narrative of personal self-destruction, regret and addiction. Dafoe embodies the character with raw emotion, portraying a man consumed by alcohol and rage, haunted by a tragic incident from his past.

As the protagonist is forced off the beaten track, the film takes a chilling turn, revealing the ghostly presence of Katherine Morris’s character, a young woman seeking vengeance for her untimely demise. Lannoo masterfully crafts an atmosphere of suspense and unease, blending unexpected eccentricity with soliloquies.

While the narrative may take quirky turns, it holds its ground, thanks to Dafoe’s compelling performance and neat cinematography. The film’s black and white palette adds to its eerie charm, capturing the essence of the characters’ bleak existence. Despite these achievements, the film would have benefited from more advanced cinematics and a narrative look-back at the protagonist’s downfall.

‘Hills Before Valleys’ is a poignant exploration of revenge, addiction, and the intricate web of human emotions. Lannoo’s direction, coupled with a standout performance by Dafoe, elevates this short film into a haunting tale that lingers in the mind, leaving viewers captivated by its dark aesthetics and profound themes.