Watch The Mourning Hills

The Mourning Hills is a 2014 drama movie that tells the story of a young woman, Piper (played by Chelsea Bryan), who returns to her hometown in Appalachia to attend her father's funeral. She is accompanied by her boyfriend, Jackson (played by Eric Gebhardt), and her close friend, Amanda (played by Jamie McRae). However, as soon as she arrives in town, Piper is confronted with the harsh realities of her past, and she struggles to come to terms with her emotions.

The movie begins with Piper driving through the picturesque countryside of Appalachia, reflecting on her childhood memories with her father. Piper is a successful advertising executive in New York, and she has not been back to her hometown since she left for college. As she arrives in town, she is greeted by her older brother, Caleb (played by Joe Fredo), who is an alcoholic and has been living in the family home since their father's death. Caleb is bitter and resentful towards Piper, and it is clear that there is unresolved tension between the siblings.

As Piper and her friends settle into the family home, they begin to uncover secrets about their father that they never knew before. Through flashbacks and conversations with the locals, Piper learns that her father was deeply involved in the coal mining industry, and that his success came at a great cost to the community. She also discovers that her father had a secret relationship with a woman in town, and that he had been providing for her and her daughter financially for years.

As Piper tries to come to terms with her father's complicated legacy, she also struggles with her relationships with Caleb and Jackson. Caleb is an alcoholic who resents Piper for leaving him behind, and she feels guilty for not being able to help him. Jackson, whose father had died in the same coal mining accident that had taken Piper's father's life, is emotionally overwhelmed by the memories of his own loss. Their relationship is tested when Jackson is drawn to the mysterious woman in town who had been receiving financial assistance from Piper's father.

The Mourning Hills tackles themes of grief, family turmoil, betrayal, regret, and love. It explores the complicated legacy of industry, the ethics of corporate power, and the environmental impact of coal mining. The performances by the principal cast members are excellent, particularly Chelsea Bryan and Joe Fredo, who deliver standout performances as the conflicted siblings. The movie is beautifully shot, capturing the rugged beauty of Appalachia and the haunting quiet of the mourning hills.

Overall, The Mourning Hills is a poignant and thought-provoking movie that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. The movie is compelling, well-written, and well-acted, and it highlights the importance of questioning the legacy of those who came before us. It is a reflection on the complexities of life and the choices that we make, and it is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is hope for redemption and healing.

The Mourning Hills is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.