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South Mountain is a 2019 drama film that revolves around Lila, played by Talia Balsam, and her family as they navigate a crisis in their lives. The film is directed by Hilary Brougher, who co-writes the screenplay with Anna Blessing. The story is set against the breathtaking backdrop of the South Mountain region in upstate New York. The film’s opening shot captures the beauty of the landscape with a bird's eye view of the mountain range, as Lila drives her car along a winding road to reach her house. It is a peaceful and idyllic scene, but the serenity is short-lived.

Lila is an artist who lives in a secluded house surrounded by woods. She lives with her husband Edgar, played by Scott Cohen, and their two teenage daughters, Sam (Naian González Norvind) and Naomi (Macabea Amaiya). The family is preparing for a gathering of friends and family to celebrate the Fourth of July. However, the mood is somber as Lila, who is pregnant, is worried about her health.

The film's central conflict arises when Lila discovers that her husband is having an affair with their mutual friend, Sarah, played by Andrus Nichols. The news shatters Lila’s world. The revelation forces her to confront the reality of her marriage and the gap that has grown between her and Edgar over the years. The film explores the complex emotions that Lila goes through as she tries to deal with the betrayal of her husband and the uncertainty of her future.

South Mountain is a slow-burning and intimate film that captures the nuances of human relationships. The director, Hilary Brougher, spends ample time developing her characters and their backstories. She provides the audience glimpses into their past and their reactions to the current situation.

Talia Balsam delivers a powerful performance as Lila, who is the emotional center of the film. She is vulnerable, resilient, and empathetic. Balsam brings a depth to her character that reflects the complexity of Lila’s situation. The audience can feel her pain as she discovers the truth about her husband's infidelity.

Scott Cohen also delivers a nuanced performance as Edgar. He manages to convey the conflicting emotions Edgar goes through, as he tries to come to terms with the consequences of his actions. He is remorseful and regretful, but also conflicted, as he is torn between his love for Lila and his feelings for Sarah.

Andrus Nichols, who plays Sarah, is also impressive. She manages to portray a character who is caught between her loyalty to her friend Lila and her feelings for Edgar. The film explores the complexities of human relationships and how they can be tested in situations of crisis.

The director, Hilary Brougher, is very successful in capturing the essence of the South Mountain region. She uses the stunning landscapes to create a sense of peacefulness and serenity that contrast sharply with the turmoil that Lila is going through. The use of natural light provides warmth and intimacy to the scenes.

The film also delves into issues of motherhood, womanhood, and the expectations society places on women. Lila’s pregnancy and her fears about her health, in particular, highlight the vulnerability of women’s bodies and the challenges they face during pregnancy. The film shows a raw and honest portrayal of how women struggle to balance their roles as mothers, wives, and artists.

In conclusion, South Mountain is a captivating film that delves into the complexities of human relationships, especially marital ones. The film showcases the talents of the actors and the director, who have created a powerful and intimate portrayal of a family in crisis. The use of stunning landscapes and natural light provides a beautiful backdrop for the emotional story. South Mountain is a must-watch for anyone interested in nuanced and introspective films.

South Mountain is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5 and a MetaScore of 79.