Hollow In The Land

Hollow in the Land is a 2017 Canadian mystery-thriller film directed by Scooter Corkle and stars Dianna Agron, Shawn Ashmore, and Rachelle Lefevre in leading roles.

Set in a small town in western Canada, the movie follows newly single and fiercely independent Alison Miller (Dianna Agron) as she tries to prove her brother's innocence in a murder case that has left him behind bars. Her brother, Brandon (Jared Abrahamson), is accused of killing his girlfriend Emily (Sarah Dugdale), a popular girl in the town. The locals have already labeled him as guilty, and no one is willing to help Alison because she is an outsider in their tight-knit community that is plagued with poverty and drug addiction.

Determined to uncover the truth and free her brother, Alison embarks on a dangerous investigation that takes her on a thrilling ride through the shadows of her town. As she delves deeper into the case, secrets and lies begin to unravel, and Alison realizes that there are many sides to the story, including hers. With the help of Emily's sister, Charleen (Rachelle Lefevre), and a disgraced cop, Deputy Dodd (Shawn Ashmore), who has been assigned to oversee her movements, Alison navigates through the murky waters of the criminal underworld to find answers.

The movie's atmosphere is as bleak and haunting as the landscape in which it is set. The tension of the investigation continually builds as Alison's search leads her to unexpected revelations and twists. Every interaction she has with the suspects or witnesses reveals something new and raises more questions. The movie expertly portrays the claustrophobic feel of the small town and highlights the overarching desperation among the people who live there. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to absorb every detail and guess alongside Alison as she tries to piece together what happened to Emily.

Dianna Agron gives a strong performance, portraying Alison's brooding intensity while also conveying her vulnerability. Her determination is palpable, and it is easy to empathize with her as she struggles to fight against the odds. Shawn Ashmore is equally compelling as the disgraced cop, who is a troubled character with a moral compass that has been slightly askew. Rachelle Lefevre brings a lived-in authenticity to the role of Emily's sister, adding depth to the character who is dealing with her own grief.

The movie's visual style is often stark, but it works well to create a mood that is both eerie and captivating. The nighttime scenes are particularly striking, with the darkness adding a sense of menace to the proceedings. The cinematography by Jessica Lee Gagné is stunning, with the natural beauty of the Canadian wilderness providing a contrast to the starkness of the story. The music and sound design also add to the overall sense of dread, building up the tension at every turn.

Hollow in the Land is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that keeps the audience engaged right until the end. The film's pacing is measured, and the story unfolds at a perfect pace, leading to a nail-biting conclusion that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The excellent cast delivers solid performances, and the film confidently explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the importance of family. Ultimately, Hollow in the Land is a powerful and emotional experience that is well worth watching.