Although it wears its influences on its sleeve, it’s unlikely you’ve ever seen a movie quite like Downhill. The brainchild of Chilean director Patricio Valladares and Irish screenwriter Barry Keating takes in elements of body horror, zombie movies, cults and Satanic worship among others.
Shot on location, the film is set against the gorgeous Chilean backdrop and showcases a star-making performance from Natalie Burn in the challenging lead role of mountain bike enthusiast/girlfriend/Final Girl on the run for her life. Things don’t just escalate, they go completely nuts.
After his best friend dies in a racing accident, biking star Joe agrees to go back on the wheels for an exhibition in Chile. On a test run with his girlfriend Stephanie, they stumble upon a badly injured man dying from a mysterious virus. That’s the start of a very bad day for them as they become the target of relentless killers ready to do anything to keep their secret to go out of the mountains
Burn stars alongside Bryce Draper, as her boyfriend Joe, in Downhill. The film was directed by Valladares from a script he co-wrote with Keating. It wears its international stripes proudly, showcasing talents from all over amid the beauty of the Chilean landscape.
Wicked Horror caught up with Valladares and Keating at Frightfest 2016 to discuss shooting on location in Chile, international collaborations and throwing everything into the pot at once.
Stay tuned to Wicked Horror for the latest horror news and more must-watch interviews from Frightfest 2016, along with reviews of some of this year’s most anticipated movies.
Interview conducted by: Joey Keogh
Camera: Mark Vessey
Editing: Richard Waters
