New short film Haven Hollow is a beautiful exploration of grief and how we cope with it. The film is a well-executed metaphor for how the mind sometimes works too hard to protect us from pain, and how our passions can become distractions from the things we don’t want to face.
The story centers on a grieving woman who seeks solitude in the forest, immersing herself in imagined worlds to escape reality. When an unexpected visitor disrupts her retreat, she must confront the very thing she’s been avoiding before it’s too late. The film was written and directed by Josh LaCount, story by Lauren Alexandra and Josh LaCount, and stars Lauren Alexandra and Dan Kauss.
A Powerful Allegory for Grief
This short film packs a lot into its runtime. It delves into one of humanity’s most relatable experiences, the pain of loss, but does so in a way that keeps you on edge. The film’s power lies in its allegorical approach to grief. By not giving a clear explanation of what happened to the main character, Nora, it allows the audience to connect with their own feelings of loss and consider how they might cope in a similar situation. You’re left to wonder: What happened to her? Why is she acting this way? Is there a supernatural element at play, or is it all just her imagination?
The short film format is perfect for this story, functioning as a way to open up a discussion not just among an audience but also within ourselves. You aren’t given too much, you are simply in the moment, experiencing Nora’s emotional journey with her. And you are left thinking about it long after watching the film.
Subtlety and Hope
What I really appreciated about the film is that it’s emotional without being too heartbreaking. We see that our protagonist is in pain and doesn’t want to face it, but it’s all subtle. I would also argue that the film explores how depression doesn’t look the same for everyone.
But it’s not all pain and grief. The film is also hopeful in the sense that you understand what the character is going through and you see how the mind works to get past the pain, to push through, and to eventually face it and keep going.
Stunning Visuals and Performance
The gorgeous scenery and thoughtful composition make every scene into a work of art, a living photograph. It’s a testament to the masterful use of the camera, capturing the film’s essence in each frame. The stunning location certainly lends itself to this. In a statement, director Josh LaCount spoke to the choice of location: “Set entirely in a remote forest, Haven Hollow uses nature as both a setting and a metaphor for emotional isolation and transformation. The film explores universal themes of grief, memory, and acceptance, reminding audiences that letting go of pain does not mean forgetting, it means carrying love forward.”
The haunting and beautiful music plays a critical role, letting the audience into the main character’s inner turmoil. Its melodies are both lonely and thoughtful without ever becoming depressing. The score’s dreamlike quality makes you second-guess what is real and what is not in the story. It also has a subtle horror element; at times, the music puts you on edge, leaving you unsure of what will happen next. The score keeps you on your toes, thanks to composer Sarah deCourcy, the multi-award-winning British artist known for her work in Far Cry 6, LX 2048, and the indie film MurMur.
Lauren Alexandra does a fantastic job as Nora. Her grief is believable on screen, as is her determination to avoid it. Because her character delves deeply into imaginary worlds in such a short time, we really get to see the range of emotion she’s capable of portraying.
If you enjoy films that stay with you long after the credits roll, Haven Hollow is a must-see. If you’re drawn to films that invite discussion and deep analysis, you’ll find it incredibly rewarding.
Haven Hollow will have a digital rollout, in hopes of reaching broader audiences. The film is slated for an online release on September 4th on youtube.com/joshlacount.
