Watch Mountain Rest

Mountain Rest is a 2018 independent drama film directed by Alex O. Eaton, written by Colin Minihan, and starring Natalia Dyer, Kate Lyn Sheil, and Frances Conroy. The film tells the story of an estranged mother-daughter relationship as they reunite at a mountain cabin in South Carolina. The movie begins with Clara (played by Dyer), a teenager who has experienced a troubled childhood. She runs away from home and heads to Mountain Rest to reunite with her grandmother (Conroy), who owns a cabin in the woods. The reunion is uncomfortable, but they try to make the best of it. They spend the day hiking, swimming, and exploring the surrounding countryside. Clara is not in a good place emotionally, but the gorgeous natural vistas and the tranquility of the location seem to offer some solace.

Meanwhile, Clara's mother, in her mid-30s, named Frankie (Sheil), arrives at the cabin, also looking for Clara. Frankie struggles with addiction and is estranged from her daughter due to her past behavior. As she settles into the cabin, it becomes apparent that she is desperately trying to reconcile with Clara. She wants to make amends for the past and to be a part of her daughter's life again. However, Clara, who has not seen her mother in years, is not willing to forgive her so easily.

As the night wears on, the tension between the three women becomes more palpable. There are flashes of hostility, small gestures of kindness, and moments of awkward silence. They all have reasons to be bitter and angry, and they can't seem to get past the hurt of the past. Slowly, over the course of the night, their guardedness begins to fade and their vulnerabilities are exposed. They all confront their past regrets and the ways in which they have hurt each other. The night becomes a turning point for the three women as they face the truth about their fractured family dynamic.

The movie's central theme is forgiveness and redemption. The narrative explores the complexities of the relationship between mothers and daughters and the lasting effects of trauma. The lead actresses convey a great range of emotion, bringing to life the script's subtle nuances. Dyer portrays Clara's vulnerability and guardedness with nuance, while Sheil carefully balances Frankie's moments of warmth with her bitterness and guilt. Conroy is excellent as the wise and caring grandmother who tries to be a peacemaker.

The movie is beautifully shot, and the scenery of the South Carolina mountains is breathtaking. The film captivates the audience with its slow-burn narrative, allowing the characters and their stories to unfold organically. The viewer is drawn into the world of these women, and it becomes easy to empathize with their struggles.

Overall, Mountain Rest is a powerful and emotional film that explores the intricate dynamics of a fragmented family trying to heal together. It avoids clichés and brings an authentic and complex portrayal of fraught relationships. The story is well-paced and well-acted, making it a must-see for fans of character-driven dramas.

Mountain Rest is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.