In the opening scene, Paul (Edward Herrmann) and his son, Billy (Peter Billingsley), spend a wonderful time together. However, as their time together ends, Paul has to comfort a shocked and upset Billy as his parents are split up, and Billy is about to return to his mother, Sally (Catherine Hicks), for a long period of time. Sally has found love again with an old high school friend, Mike (Paul Le Mat), and they are taking a road trip together to visit significant attractions, including Death Valley. However, as the trio embarks on their adventure, it becomes clear that Billy feels like the odd one out. Mike and Sally seem eager to spend quality time together, leaving Billy disappointed.
To make matters worse, a mysterious serial killer is on the loose in the area. The killer brutally murders a pair of young teenagers who are lingering around an old gold mine, and soon after, Billy stumbles upon the gruesome aftermath. Now he, Sally, and Mike are the killer’s new primary targets. Will this unconventional family be able to uncover the identity of the killer and find a way to escape the deadly chaos?
Death Valley is a horror and thriller film. It incorporates elements of the slasher genre, as its premise revolves around a mysterious serial killer who is targeting various victims before ultimately hunting down Billy and his family. The enigma surrounding the killer is a central plot point that unfolds as the story progresses. The killer’s identity and the ‘hows’ are crucial aspects of the plot, with the film’s reveal in the third and final act being entirely unexpected during my first viewing. The film is directed by Dick Richards, whose previous works include Farewell, My Lovely (1975) and Heat (1986).
As a film, Death Valley is a mixed bag for me. I loved the central mystery of an unknown violent killer, and the film features a fun reveal and twist. Peter Billingsley, playing the role of Billy, delivers a fantastic performance. It was surprising to see a young actor in such a central role, which made the film feel different, risky, and enticing as a horror experience. However, the characters Mike and Sally are poorly written and often unlikeable due to their questionable choices and careless attitudes. The performances by Paul Le Mat and Catherine Hicks come across as weak and less compelling, even in the most horrifying situations on-screen.
Although the film has a short runtime, it feels much longer. The constant attempts to hide and mislead the audience regarding the killer’s identity do not help either. During my first viewing, I found several moments confusing and unclear. While this ambiguity is likely intentional, and the reveals add depth to the story, the film struggles to connect the dots and clarify the killer’s motives and actions. Additionally, the final moments of the film felt somewhat lacklustre and rushed.
Overall, Death Valley has some positive aspects to offer. I appreciated its unique concept, which revolves around a mysterious serial killer whose primary target is a young boy and his family. This refreshing, bold premise differentiates it from typical horror and slasher films. Peter Billingsley delivers an excellent leading performance as the young protagonist, although the supporting characters are somewhat lacking. The kills are entertaining, the final revelations about the killer are unexpected, satisfactorily tying together various plot details, but the film’s concluding moments feel rushed and unsatisfying.
Death Valley (1982) is Now Available on Blu-ray thanks to Imprint Films & Via Vision Entertainment!
FILM SCORE: 5.4/10
Published: 28th November 2024
Written by: Peter Walkden
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