Rico is tormented by nightmarish visions after enduring head trauma while camping in the Catskill Mountains. Billy creates a reality of horror for him by persuading Rico to go along with his beliefs which delve him deeper into despair.

Director Statement

The Forest Hills is a psychological horror that descends into the fractured mind of a man tormented by nightmarish visions. But beyond the genre trappings, this film is indelibly defined by one profound truth: it marks the final performance of Shelley Duvall.

Securing Shelley for the role of "Mama," the emotionally abusive matriarch who haunts our protagonist, transcended mere casting; it became a mandate to celebrate her professional return to her craft after a two-decade hiatus. Following years of unfortunate exploitation, our primary goal was to provide a respectful, supportive, and artistically meaningful platform. This film is her deliberate choice to take the stage one last time, ensuring her enduring talent is given a dignified final chapter.

Shelley’s sheer professionalism was immediate and inspiring. Despite physical challenges, her commitment to the work was absolute. She was intellectually sharp and deeply engaged in the script. She embraced modern filmmaking techniques—even noting how easy digital cameras made the process—and poured her immense, unique energy into her performance. Her portrayal of 'Mama' is a thrilling departure, showcasing a quiet, coiled menace that demands attention, a complex, unstable antagonist unlike her iconic victim roles.

The Forest Hills is an opportunity for audiences to witness, one last time, the singular, unforgettable brilliance of Shelley Duvall as she makes her final, masterful bow.