Happy Valley
Despite the title, "Happy Valley" is not in any sort of way a happy film. In fact, it's a documentary that's filled with all kinds of tales of misery and suffering.That probably explains why filmmaker Ron Williams goes a little overboard with the positive-affirmation messages during the closing credits. The Orem-based entrepreneur even becomes an at-times intrusive, Michael Moore-like presence in the movie.
But given his personal investment in the film, that is perhaps understandable. And besides, it's certainly not enough to ruin this surprisingly powerful piece, which features some involving interview segments and which broaches a hot-button topic that deserves to be discussed in-depth.
Williams originally set out to document his ex-wife Nancy's drug rehabilitation in mid-2005. However, his stepdaughter, Macall Aubrey Petersen, got into even deeper trouble a month later.
"Happy Valley" examines the much-publicized incident in which Petersen and her boyfriend, Jasen Andrew Calacino, concealed the body of their friend, Amelia Sorich, who had died as the result of a drug overdose.
Williams catches up with the obviously shaken and repentant Petersen in prison, where she's serving up to six years for negligent homicide and body desecration.
The film also looks at other, similar overdose stories in Utah, as well as the alarming increase in prescription drug abuse and even catches up with other addicts who are trying to kick the habit.
Any number of these threads could have been turned into their own movies. And at times, Williams and his editors do have trouble finding the film's focus.
However, when the filmmakers simply point-and-shoot without any commentary they get some terrific material. The interview sequences with the Soriches defy audiences to remain dry-eyed.
"Happy Valley" is rated PG-13 for strong drug content and references (abuse of painkillers and other prescriptions, and narcotics, including a scene of drug use), scattered mild profanity, some suggestive language and derogatory slurs. Running time: 90 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com