Lupe (Briza Covarrubias) is a Mexican-Navajo mechanic who saves every dollar with her mother, Adamina (Paula Miranda), to buy their own sanctuary and home. On the flip side, Maddy (Allee Sutton Hethcoat) is currently homeless, with no money in her pocket and desperate to get back on her feet. We soon learn that Maddy owes money to the wrong kind of people.
After working late at a rodeo, Adamina suddenly falls to the ground and is rushed to the hospital. While Lupe’s mother is in a stable condition and in and out of a coma, there is nothing the hospital can do as she has a brain tumour. There is an experimental treatment available, but it’s priced at approx. $50,000. Given the sudden health change with Lupe’s mother, Lupe’s family decided to share some significant news with her about her father, a father whom she thought was dead. Lupe’s father owns a valley, which is worth a great fortune. In desperation, Lupe heads towards her father, who may be able to afford the treatment. However, getting to the valley won’t be that simple.
When Lupe visits a local Pawnbroker, by a stroke of luck and the case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time, Lupe and Maddy’s paths cross each other. Now, they’re both being chased by a group of dangerous people. After conversing and sharing their challenges and goals, Lupe and Maddy agree to team up. Lupe will find her real dad, and if successful, Maddy will gain a sum of money to help her current debt situation. As they journey further and further, Lupe and Maddy only find more challenges and surprises about themselves and their past.
The Stolen Valley is an action film with some dramatic and thriller moments. It is also the directional feature debut of Jesse Edwards, whose past work includes two short films, Life After (2021) and Distance (2020). It should be noted that Jesse also serves as the film’s writer. As a feature-length film debut, there’s no denying that the results are impressive for several reasons.
Visually, I felt this film was commendable for the vast majority of its runtime. It consists of sharp visuals and great locations. However, the only exception was when characters talk in moving vehicles, and the camera work during these scenes is more challenging and shakier. Moments of action (while brief) are shot incredibly well with sharp visuals and creative filming that will impress and entertain viewers.
The leading performances are most pleasing. While Briza Covarrubias as Lupe carries a great range of drama and emotion, Maddy, played by Allee Sutton Hethcoat, delivers some lighter moments. There’s no denying it: actress Hethcoat appears to be having a great time. I loved seeing her character in the film; she elevated it with energy, minor comedy and positivity. Another great standout is the film’s villain, Micah Fitzgerald as Carl. Viewers will readily believe the level of menace, creepiness and danger his character represents. Sadly, side performances are not as powerful, particularly in line delivery, which sometimes lacks emphasis or a touch of realism. Certain plot advancements sometimes can also come down to coincidences, and some significant plot twists are a bit of a stretch to accept as viewers.
Overall, The Stolen Valley is an enjoyable drama with a basic story and some cheesy (but fun) twists and turns. There’s tremendous on-screen chemistry and playfulness from both leads, Briza Covarrubias and Allee Sutton Hethcoat, and the film’s villain, played by Micah Fitzgerald, was well cast. Visually, there are many impressive sequences. There is plenty here that is light-hearted, simple and enjoyable, and as a feature-length debut from Jesse Edwards, it delivers enough that I’m delighted to see what’s in store next.
The Stolen Valley (2022) is Available on Digital from April 17th – Australia & New Zealand*
5.7/10
3rd April 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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