The challenge at hand is for couples to race to the top of a mountain while holding hands. Obstacles and distractions are no excuse to stop holding hands, and the couples who take part in the challenge must work together to accomplish this feat. Hill Hikers is the story of competitive couples, as they try to prove that they are superior to others in nearly every way. This mockumentary takes a deep dive into the camaraderie, love, compassion, and the chemistry of a series of couples as they compete in this challenge.
Hill Hikers is a strange film that isn’t afraid to throw some punches when talking about the many personalities and dynamics that exist in the real world. Each and every microcosm of American society exists within this film, and considering the film is so short, that’s a tall task. As previously mentioned, Hill Hikers really is a deep dive into the many relationships that exist around us, but what it does even better is examine the society in which we live. Beyond seeing how couples interact with one another, viewers get to see real, accurate representations of the cornucopia of characters that exist in the real world.
Characters of every race, gender, and creed are represented in Hill Hikers, and this melting pot of a film beautifully represents the world that we know and love, but sometimes struggle to understand. Hill Hikers is a psychiatrist’s dream, a perfect look at the human psyche and all that makes us tick–and Writer-Directors Elizabeth Godar and Mitch deQuilettes should be commended for how well they understand the ever-changing dynamic of American society and the beautiful mess that is the human mind. They are brilliant writers that truly understand the intricacies of human life, and their ability to create something accessible and understandable is impressive.
Their writing and their vision translates well to film not just as a result of their directorial prowess, but as a result of the talent they are able to employ as well. Francesca Eastwood and Anthony Carrigan (surrounded by numerous other talented individuals) lead the way through this film as the founders of the aforementioned competition. Each and every on-screen couple possesses chemistry, but Eastwood and Carrigan feel like a genuine couple. The way she corrects him, the unhappy glances thrown her way, and their all-too-real dialogue and false-bravado create something believable and transcending throughout the course of Hill Hikers. .
There is something interesting that exists throughout the entirety of Hill Hikers, and it’s cringey. Interestingly, however, this doesn’t mean that the film is bad, but rather that it feels more complete and honest. The false confidence, the uncomfortable conversation, and every subtle nuance in between lends itself to creating a sense of discomfort. I felt as if I were watching real couples discuss the intricacies of their relationships in some truly head-scratching ways–but, again, like the rest of Hill Hikers, this feels honest.
Again, Godar and deQuilettes have a unique and complex understanding of America and its residents. I’m beyond impressed by what they are able to develop in terms of story, and even more impressed with their ability to translate it to film and create an intriguing and captivating film. Through the talented actors, Godar and deQuilettes brilliant writing, and their directorial prowess, Hill Hikers comes to life in incredible ways–expressing, in great detail, every important aspect of American culture and society.
Written & Directed by Elizabeth Godar & Mitch deQuilettes.
Starring Anthony Carrigan, Francesca Eastwood, Mitra Jouhari, Mani Yarosh, Max Bumgarten, Sydney Schafer, Taylor Snook, Rick Darge, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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