East of the Mountains (2021 | USA | 93 minutes | SJ Chiro)
The opening scene of East of the Mountains is not something I will ever be able to forget. Ben Givens, a retired heart surgeon and widower of a year, is in his Seattle home, holding a rifle (a family heirloom, we learn later), determined to end his life.
East of the Mountains is the quintessential Pacific Northwest film. It stars Tom Skerritt, seen at least once by everyone in Washington state either on a ferry or at an out-of-the-way diner in Snohomish County, and is directed by filmmaker SJ Chiro, her second feature after the also-excellent Lane 1974. It’s also based on a novel by David Guterson, born in Seattle and living on Bainbridge Island. Moreover, Chiro and cinematographer Sebastien Scandiuzzi made great use of the beautiful mountains in Eastern Washington. Did I mention it also just made its world premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival.
Givens is hiding a secret, he has cancer and doesn’t believe he has long to live and the end of his life is sure to be painful. Once his wife died and he learned of his cancer, he finds little reason to keep living, and he certainly doesn’t want to tell his daughter Renee (Mira Sorvino). When he decides against suicide in his home, he heads east to tie up a few loose ends with only his rifle, a backpack, and his Brittany spaniel Rex. Rex is, and this is super-important, a good boy.
Skerritt is the perfect choice in this role. He’s the most recognizable movie star in the Puget Sound region and fantastic in this role, but also has this innate ability to let his face convey his truth when his words don’t. I just can’t imagine anyone else in this role.
Four years ago, SJ Chiro told me in an interview for Lane 1974 that she views film as “an empathy machine,” and that ideal translated to this film beautifully. Every character, including the most villainous one, was so handled delicately that you knew what their motivations were. No character felt unnecessary or just to move the plot along. I don’t think there was one moment wasted. It’s a 90 minute film that felt larger than that. Right now, I don’t think there’s a better filmmaker in the Northwest than SJ Chiro.
If I had anything to quibble about, it’s that I would’ve liked for a few lighter moments, or even a little (more) humor. The reality is that I started crying early on and didn’t stop until a while after the movie ended. It absolutely wrecked me. It’s been a long time since any film has had that kind of effect on me. I may need to seek out something silly or unnecessary next. Is Godzilla vs. Kong still playing?
East of the Mountains plays at SIFF through April 18. SIFF also pays tribute to star Tom Skerritt on Thursday at 6:30pm. Tickets can be found here.
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