Went Up the Hill premieres at NZIFF with haunting tale of grief
The New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) audience was among the first in the country to see “Went up the Hill”, the latest film for New Zealand-born director Samuel Van Grinsven.
Shot primarily in the Canterbury region, the film blends gothic supernatural elements with an intimate exploration of grief, fractured relationships and family bonds.
The story follows Jack (played by Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery), who attends the funeral of his estranged mother, Elizabeth. There, he meets her widow, Jill (Vicky Krieps). Over the course of several nights, both Jack and Jill are possessed by Elizabeth, who uses their bodies to communicate with the other.
Introducing the film to the audience, Van Grinsven expressed gratitude to those who helped bring the project to life. “First off, I’d just love to thank my incredible cast on this film. Which of course includes Dacre and Vicky Krieps. But also, the wonderful supporting cast from New Zealand.” He told the audience. “It was such a joy to work with people that I grew up with, to return home, to make my second film in NZ. It was very important for me to be able to bring some of those faces I love to the screen”
Montgomery echoed that same sentiment, describing his time filming in New Zealand as unforgettable. “New Zealand is such a special place. It was a very transcendent and special experience to make this film”
Went Up the Hill offers the audience a ghost story rooted in trauma and grief. The opening screening drew a full house and left viewers with a stir of conversation as the audience spilled into the foyer. Some were even leaving teary-eyed.
One audience member said, “The story moves slowly, but it lingers. It’s the kind of film you don’t just watch, but you feel, quietly.”
Went Up the Hill is releasing in theatres on October 9th.
Aysha Finlay is a Bachelor of Communication student, studying digital marketing and journalism
