theguardian.com
Went Up the Hill: A Chilling Ghost Story of Grief and Abandonment
Samuel Van Grinsven's Went Up the Hill is a slow-burn ghost story where a man connects with his deceased mother through her widow, exploring themes of grief, loss, and abandonment in a frigid, visually striking New Zealand setting.
- What is the central theme explored in Went Up the Hill, and what are its immediate implications?
- The film centers on bereavement, loss, and abandonment, specifically focusing on the unconventional relationship between a son, his deceased mother (communicating through her widow), and the widow herself. The immediate implication is a chilling exploration of grief's complexities, defying conventional horror tropes.
- How does the film's visual style contribute to its overall impact, and what broader patterns does it reflect?
- The film's cold, bluish tone, set in a brutalist house near an icy lake in New Zealand's South Island, enhances the themes of emotional coldness and isolation. This visual style reflects a broader pattern in contemporary cinema of using visual language to heighten emotional impact and thematic resonance.
- What are the potential future implications or critical perspectives arising from the film's unconventional narrative structure and thematic exploration?
- Went Up the Hill's unconventional structure, defying traditional plot progression, challenges expectations in horror and drama. Its exploration of complex grief and unconventional communication may influence future films exploring similar themes, prompting a critical reassessment of how trauma and loss are represented on screen.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review focuses on the film's stylistic choices and emotional coldness, potentially overlooking plot elements or other aspects that might appeal to a wider audience. The emphasis on the film's 'pristineness' and 'coldness' might discourage viewers who prefer warmer, more conventionally plotted narratives. The description of the film as 'a long and demanding ride' could be interpreted as a negative framing, potentially influencing viewers' expectations.
Language Bias
The review uses descriptive language that leans toward negative connotations, such as 'stiff', 'austere', 'empty', 'cold as hell', and 'tonally frigid'. While these words accurately reflect the reviewer's interpretation, they could be considered loaded and might not appeal to all readers. More neutral alternatives might include 'restrained', 'minimalist', 'emotionally distant', and 'cool in tone'.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the film's stylistic aspects and emotional tone, potentially omitting a discussion of the plot's intricacies or the actors' performances beyond brief mentions. While acknowledging practical constraints of space might justify this, the lack of in-depth plot analysis could leave the reader with an incomplete understanding of the film's narrative.
False Dichotomy
The review presents a somewhat false dichotomy by contrasting the film's emotional intensity with its cold tone. While these aspects might seem contradictory, it doesn't necessarily reflect a flawed film. The reviewer implicitly suggests that a film must be emotionally 'warm' to be considered good, overlooking other potential values.
Sustainable Development Goals
The movie explores themes of bereavement, loss, and abandonment, which can significantly impact mental health. By portraying these struggles, the film indirectly promotes awareness and understanding of mental health challenges, contributing positively to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The film's focus on the characters' psychological fragility indirectly encourages conversations around mental health and seeking help when needed.