Backdrop preview South Mountain backdrop
South Mountain

South Mountain (2019)

Mar 11, 2019 1h 22m Drama

When her teenagers head off to camp and her husband abruptly leaves her to begin a new family, Lila is left to her own curious and chaotic devices for a summer in her rural home in the Catskill mountains.

Watch Trailer
Directed by Hilary Brougher

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Hilary Brougher
Writer
  • Hilary Brougher
Producer
  • Kristin Frost
  • Susan A. Stover
  • Maria Rosenblum

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, South Mountain examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Hilary Brougher brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of South Mountain took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 2019, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While South Mountain shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Charly, which focuses more on action than character development, South Mountain offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood and Little Women explore similar territory, South Mountain stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: March 11, 2019
  • Runtime: 1h 22m

Where to Watch

Fandor
Philo
Fandor Amazon Channel

Similar Movies