Read This: Cast and crew reflect on experience of making Shelley Duvall’s final film

Shelley Duvall’s Final Film: A Heartwarming Return to Hollywood

Shelley Duvall, known for her iconic role in “The Shining”, graced the silver screen one last time in the indie horror film “The Forest Hills” before her passing in July. This marked her first role in 20 years and sparked concerns due to past media scrutiny during her retirement. However, accounts from the cast and crew paint a picture of a joyous and dedicated actress eager to embrace her craft once more.

In “The Forest Hills”, Duvall portrays the mother of Chiko Mendez’s character, appearing in his “nightmare visions”. The film’s production went the extra mile to ensure her comfort, with scenes filmed in Duvall’s own home. Mendez shared that they incorporated her “discomfort and pains” into the character for authenticity. He fondly recalls her fascination with the advancements in filmmaking, particularly her astonishment at the director’s ability to direct remotely from New York via a mobile phone.

Director Scott Goldberg lauded Duvall’s performance as the menacing matriarch, highlighting her dedication and the unique depth she brought to the role. He emphasized her mental sharpness and engagement throughout filming, describing her as sweet, kind, and upbeat. Goldberg also mentioned Duvall’s positive reflections on her experience filming “The Shining”.

Co-star Felissa Rose echoed these sentiments, recalling Duvall’s warmth and contentment with her life outside of Hollywood. Rose shared that Duvall seemed genuinely happy, surrounded by love and her animals.

“The Forest Hills” premiered in limited theaters on October 4th and became available digitally on October 8th.