Watch Magic Valley

Magic Valley is a haunting independent drama from 2011 that explores the complicated lives of a group of people living in a small town in Idaho. Directed by Jaffe Zinn and written by Robert E. Sheriff, the film features a talented cast headlined by Scott Glenn, Kyle Gallner, and Alison Elliott. The movie opens with a young man named TJ (Gallner) hunting in the wilderness with his rifle. He comes across the body of a man who has committed suicide, and the incident haunts him throughout the rest of the film. As he goes about his daily life, we see that he is a troubled young man with a difficult family life. His mother (Elliott) is an alcoholic who sleeps with men for money, and his father is absent most of the time.

As TJ tries to cope with his own demons, he becomes entangled in the lives of a number of other people in the town. One of them is a local rancher named Ed (Glenn), who has a strained relationship with his son. Another is a young woman named Caroline (Amber Heard), who works at a convenience store and is involved in a complicated love triangle with two different men.

As the film progresses, we see how these different characters are all struggling to find their place in the world. Some are dealing with addiction, while others are trying to come to terms with their own mortality. Through it all, the rugged beauty of the Idaho landscape serves as a backdrop, highlighting the emptiness and isolation that many of these characters feel.

Magic Valley is a quiet and contemplative film that relies heavily on its performances. Scott Glenn, in particular, delivers a powerful turn as Ed, the grizzled rancher who is struggling to connect with his son. His scenes with Gallner are some of the most intense in the film, as the two men try to navigate their complicated relationship.

Kyle Gallner is also excellent as TJ, bringing a quiet intensity to the role. He is a character who is clearly carrying a lot of pain, and Gallner does a great job of conveying that without ever becoming melodramatic. Alison Elliott, as TJ's mother, is similarly impressive. Her character is both tragic and unlikable, but Elliott manages to find the humanity beneath the character's flaws.

The film also benefits from its beautiful cinematography. The vast, open landscapes of Idaho are captured in stunning detail, with the film's muted color palette perfectly capturing the sense of loneliness and isolation that permeates the movie.

Overall, Magic Valley is a thoughtful and well-crafted film that is likely to stick with viewers long after the credits roll. While it may not be to everyone's taste, those who appreciate slow-burning, character-driven dramas are likely to find a lot to admire here. With its strong performances and beautiful visuals, it stands as a testament to the power of independent cinema.

Magic Valley is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.