Sydney Sweeney And Julianne Moore's New Thriller, Echo Valley, Is Out Now – But Is It Worth Watching?
Two of the biggest stars of the moment, Julianne Moore ( Sirens ) and Sydney Sweeney ( Anyone But You ) star opposite each other in the new thriller Echo Valley, directed by Michael Pearce and written by Brad Ingelsby, which is available to stream on Apple TV+.
The story follows Kate Garrett (Moore), who works training horses on her southern Pennsylvania farm, when one night her daughter Claire (Sweeney) arrives at her door covered in blood that is not hers, and Kate has to decide what she is willing to do to protect her daughter. The film also stars Domhnall Gleeson, Kyle MacLachlan, and Fiona Shaw.
But with a disappointing 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is Echo Valley worth watching? Here's what the critics think.
Peter Bradshaw at The Guardian gave the film two stars. 'The film gets mired in some very credulity-stretching stuff about what has to happen when bodies need to be recovered and the twisty finale is overwrought and silly,' he writes. 'The estimable cast all do their utmost but the overall effect is frustratingly implausible.'
However, Kevin Maher at The Times called it 'American cinema for adults', awarding Echo Valley four stars. 'It's slightly illogical, yes,' he put, 'but by then we're so invested in the film and so attached to the characters that it hardly matters.'
The Financial Times ' Danny Leigh also gave the film four stars. 'I'll take the side of the kind of film that is neither the nth instalment of a franchise, nor fishing for an Oscar, but simply seeks to entertain while also giving you something to chew on,' he reviewed. 'Echo Valley supplies just that.'
Elsewhere Gleeson's turn as the film's villain has won praise for his ability to 'successfully create a manipulative monster'. A film fan on X also loved the film writing, 'Went to an early preview screening of #echovalley tonight and I loved it. Julianne and Domnhall are fantastic, and the storyline has so many twists and turns I didn't expect.'
Another viewer posted, 'Sydney Sweeney in Echo Valley is magnificent in a visceral role. She displays an emotional intensity that captures the fragility and desperation of her character. Frankly, she is one of the best actresses around these days (though there was never any doubt).'
So, despite a poor review from The Guardian and a mixed response (so far) on Rotten Tomatoes, there are plenty of people who have thoroughly enjoyed the film and think the plot is gripping and well-crafted. That means the only way to decide if it's worth watching is to watch it yourself.
Echo Valley is available to stream on Apple TV+.
Nikki Peach is a writer at Grazia UK, working across entertainment, TV and news. She has also written for the i, i-D and the New Statesman Media Group and covers all things pop culture for Grazia (treating high and lowbrow with equal respect).
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