Watch Down in the Valley

Down in the Valley is a drama film released in 2005, directed by David Jacobson, that follows the story of a young woman named Tobe, played by Evan Rachel Wood, and the complex relationship she develops with a man named Harlan, played by Edward Norton. The movie takes place in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, which serves as a backdrop for the story. Tobe works in a local fast food restaurant and lives with her father, Wade, played by David Morse, and her younger brother. Her relationship with her father is strained, as he is an overprotective and authoritarian figure, who does not approve of her relationship with Harlan. Despite this, Tobe is drawn to Harlan's charismatic and free-spirited nature, which contrasts with her suburban lifestyle.

Harlan, on the other hand, is a mysterious man with a distinct cowboy persona, who wanders through the valley on horseback. He is a drifter who is not very forthcoming about his past, adding to his air of mystery. He meets Tobe at the fast food restaurant where she works, and they quickly strike up a conversation. They quickly become romantically involved and begin seeing each other in secret, due to Tobe's father's disapproval.

Over time, Harlan becomes increasingly involved with Tobe's family, particularly her younger brother. This leads to a conflict between Tobe and her father, who sees Harlan as a dangerous influence on his children. The tension between Harlan and Wade eventually escalates, leading to a confrontation that reveals Harlan's true character.

The film explores themes such as identity, freedom, and the clash of cultures. Harlan's cowboy persona represents a fantasy of freedom and adventure, something that Tobe finds enticing. However, this fantasy is not sustainable, and Harlan's true character ultimately comes to the fore. Tobe's relationship with Harlan is part of her search for identity, and her attraction to him represents a desire for something more than the mundane life she leads in the suburbs.

Edward Norton delivers a strong performance as Harlan, capturing the character's cowboy persona while also hinting at his troubled past. Evan Rachel Wood shines as Tobe, bringing a vulnerability and intensity to the role. David Morse portrays Wade with a sense of desperation, as he tries to protect his family from harm but ultimately fails.

The cinematography of the movie is notable, with the San Fernando Valley serving as an atmospheric backdrop to the story. The use of wide shots and long takes captures the vastness of the landscape and adds a dreamlike quality to the film.

Overall, Down in the Valley is a poignant and thought-provoking drama that explores complex themes through its characters and setting. The performances of the cast, particularly Edward Norton and Evan Rachel Wood, elevate the movie above a standard romantic drama and make it a must-see for fans of independent cinema.

Down in the Valley is a 2005 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 65.