Happy Valley

Beautiful scenery. Low crime rates. Tons of Mormons. Doesn't this sound like a nice place? Well that's exactly what they want you think. Just don't pay attention to the fact that anti-depressant usage here is double the national average, and that there is a one teen minimum drug overdose death per week in "Happy Valley."

First time documentary director Ron Williams delves into the unseen but massive drug addictions that people refuse to acknowledge in Utah County. This idea came to him while trying to track down and rehabilitate his ex-wife and re-unite his daughter with her mother.

The film splices together a series of stories. Stories from the straight "A" students, the church leaders, and seemingly problem-less community. These stories involve addiction, denial, guilt, suffering, and often death. It is a unique and needed perspective that has been rightfully brought to light in hopes of creating awareness and getting help.

The film is little rough around the edges, and you can definitely see it is an independent film. It did win "Best Film" at the Breckenridge Film Festival in 2007 though... I think the story is so engrossing that the minor editing flaws go unnoticed.

Happy Valley will introduce you to people you never knew, and maybe even some you recognize. All of whom are intertwined in the world of prescription & street drug abuse. This world is definitely worth knowing about. "People need to stop looking through the window and start looking in the mirror." (my favorite quote from the movie.)

I am always a sucker for documentaries. I don't think I have ever seen one I didn't like... so maybe this will not interest you as much as it did me. This one is a little different though. Although it is set in Utah, Williams says it could have been filmed in any city. It's purpose is to educate people in hopes that it will help somebody. If you can sit through an hour and a half of drug addiction/abuse stories it is definitely worth a matinée ticket.

3/5 Stars