Welcome to ‘Showtime with Emily Maddick’, in which GLAMOUR’S Assistant Editor and Entertainment Director brings a unique perspective to the month’s most hyped film or TV show. For June’s instalment, Emily takes on Apple TV’s new psychological thriller, Echo Valley. Starring Julianne Moore, Sydney Sweeney and Fiona Shaw, the brilliant film delves deep into the devastating impact of addiction & the complexities of motherhood. But what stands it apart from other prestige TV moments, says Emily, is its quietly powerful portrayal of queer friendship.
*Echo Valley spoilers incoming*
My best friend of nearly 40 years, Jenna, often jokes that we are so close that if either of us were to become involved in a murder, we’d unconditionally stand by one another. And we would.
Apple TV’s new psychological thriller, Echo Valley (which, btw, is so brilliant I’ve watched it twice) showcases the power of female friendship to this very end as we see the main characters become embroiled in an accidental murder, cover up, blackmail and potential insurance scam. But what stood out for me is the representation of the power of friendship and sisterhood amongst queer women, which is a refreshing dynamic rarely seen on our screens.
Atsushi Nishijima/Apple TV
Starring Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney (giving one of the best performances of her career to date) the psychological thriller delves deep into the devastating impact of addiction, the complexities of motherhood and the lengths one is willing to go to in order to protect one’s child.
Directed by BAFTA-winner Michael Pearce and written by Brad Inglesby (Mare of Easttown), the film unfolds on a secluded horse farm in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Moore plays Kate Garrett, a grieving widow who finds her life completely upended when her estranged, yet spoiled drug addict daughter, Claire (Sweeney), arrives at her doorstep covered in someone else’s blood. Very rapidly, the story turns from a complex domestic drama into a twisty, edge-of-your-sofa suspense-filled exploration of love, sacrifice and survival. With a really sinister, lanky-haired baddie, played impeccably by Domhnall Gleeson.
