A Ghost Story Rooted in Grief and Identity
Directed by Samuel Van Grinsven, Went Up the Hill unfolds less like a traditional horror film and more like a quiet psychological séance. The film blends gothic atmosphere, emotional vulnerability, and an unsettling mystery that gradually blurs the boundaries between identity, grief, and belonging.
The story follows Jack (Dacre Montgomery), a young man who travels to rural New Zealand after the death of his estranged mother. There he meets Jill (Vicky Krieps), the woman who had been his mother’s partner. What begins as an awkward encounter between two strangers connected by loss soon evolves into something far more complicated.
As unexplained events begin to unfold within the house they share, the emotional lines between past and present — and even between the characters themselves — begin to shift. The film carefully avoids easy explanations, instead allowing its tension to grow through mood, subtle performances, and the eerie suggestion that unresolved grief can linger in unexpected ways.
Strong Performances Anchor the Film’s Mystery
The film’s emotional weight rests firmly on its cast, and its strongest pillars are the two female performances at the center of the story. Krieps once again proves herself to be a fascinating screen presence, balancing vulnerability, emotional intensity, and quiet ambiguity. Meanwhile, Sarah Peirse brings a haunting dimension that deepens the film’s psychological layers.
Their performances give the story a grounded emotional core even as the narrative drifts into more surreal territory. The pairing between Krieps and Montgomery also proves surprisingly effective. Their chemistry adds a sense of emotional tension that keeps the film engaging as its mystery slowly unfolds.
Montgomery’s casting may initially catch some viewers off guard, but it ultimately works in the film’s favor. Known to many audiences for his role in the global Netflix hit Stranger Things, Montgomery brings with him a following that could attract younger fans of horror and supernatural stories. That recognition may help introduce those audiences to a film that is far more art-house in tone than conventional genre fare.
At the same time, the role allows Montgomery to stretch his acting range. The performance reflects an actor clearly interested in choosing projects that challenge him creatively. In my view, it’s encouraging to see him gravitating toward films that emphasize atmosphere, character, and experimentation rather than straightforward commercial formulas.
A Visually Striking Film with an Unsettling Mood
Much of the film’s power lies in its visual storytelling. The lighting, interiors, and quiet framing create a distinctly gothic mood that makes the house itself feel almost alive. Shadows and silence become narrative tools, allowing the story’s tension to grow without relying on traditional horror shocks.
In many ways, the film’s energy is both sensual and unnerving. The shifting emotional connections between the characters create a strange intimacy that mirrors the film’s broader exploration of loneliness and the desire for belonging.
Distributors like Greenwich Entertainment deserve credit for supporting films like this — projects driven by artistic ambition and bold storytelling choices from emerging voices in cinema.
A Few Lingering Questions — But a Rewarding Experience
If the film has a small weakness, it may lie in its preference for atmosphere over clear answers. One critic aptly noted that the film is “heavy on mood and light on answers,” and that observation feels fair.
While respecting the filmmaker’s vision, I occasionally found myself wishing the story pushed just a little further — whether through a sharper narrative turn or a clearer understanding of the darker emotional forces influencing the characters.
North American audiences in particular might expect a more defined resolution. And given the film’s provocative emotional undercurrents, there are moments where the story feels as though it could lean even further into its tension.
Still, these are relatively minor reservations. Went Up the Hill remains a visually captivating and emotionally intriguing film. Its pacing never drags, the performances are compelling, and the mystery keeps the audience invested until the end.
For viewers willing to embrace a film that prioritizes atmosphere and emotional ambiguity over traditional storytelling, Went Up the Hill offers a haunting and memorable experience.
