Watch One Way To Valhalla

One Way to Valhalla is a 2009 independent drama film directed by Karen Goodman and starring Gabriel Macht, Tony Rocha, and Chaney Kley. The movie tells the story of Bo Durant (Gabriel Macht), a troubled young man who returns to his small hometown in upstate New York after being away for eight years. Bo has a dark past and a history of substance abuse, which he struggles to overcome even as he attempts to reconnect with his estranged family.

The movie opens with Bo driving through the town's winding roads, past forests and abandoned train stations, and into the driveway of his childhood home. His mother, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, greets him warmly but is soon replaced by his older brother, Duncan (Tony Rocha), who harbors resentment towards Bo for leaving them behind. The dynamic between the two brothers is tense and complicated, and it becomes clear that Bo's presence is unsettling to more than just Duncan.

As Bo tries to settle back into life in the small town, he rekindles an old flame with his high school sweetheart, Angela (played by Gina Gershon), who is now married with children. Meanwhile, he finds himself at odds with local law enforcement, particularly the corrupt Sheriff (played by Chaney Kley), who becomes increasingly determined to incriminate Bo as he investigates a series of unsolved murders.

Through a series of flashbacks, we learn about Bo's turbulent childhood and the events that led him to leave town in the first place. His relationship with his mother was strained, and his father's suicide hung over the family like a cloud. Bo fell into a life of drugs and crime, and although he eventually cleaned up his act and started a new life out West, he remains haunted by his past.

The film has a slow, contemplative pace, with long stretches of silence broken up by moments of violence and tension. It's a character-driven drama that explores themes of family, addiction, and forgiveness. Gabriel Macht's performance as Bo is nuanced and understated, bringing depth to a character who could easily have been portrayed as a one-dimensional "bad boy." Tony Rocha is also impressive as Duncan, shedding light on the pain and anger that drives his character's behavior.

At its core, One Way to Valhalla is a meditation on the power of the past to haunt and inform the present. Bo's journey back to his hometown forces him to confront the choices he's made and the people he's hurt. It's a challenging and complex film that rewards careful attention and patience but may not appeal to those looking for something more fast-paced or action-packed.

In terms of technical aspects, the film features stunning cinematography that captures the eerie beauty of the upstate New York landscape. The score, by David Carbonara, is haunting and atmospheric, setting the mood for the film's emotional highs and lows.

Overall, One Way to Valhalla is a thought-provoking and moving drama that showcases strong performances and stunning visuals. It's a poignant exploration of the ways in which our pasts can shape our futures and a reminder that redemption is always possible, even in the darkest of circumstances.

One Way To Valhalla is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.