Hallow Road

The 2025 thriller directed by Babak Anvari and written by debut screenwriter William Gillies is a tense psychological drama unfolding in real time. The story centers on married couple Maddie (Rosamund Pike), a stern and rational paramedic, and Frank (Matthew Rhys), a more lenient and accommodating father. Their teenage daughter, Alice (Megan McDonnell), storms off in her father's car after a family argument, driving down Hallow Road, a remote forest route steeped in dark folklore and popular among local youths. Soon after, the parents receive a panicked phone call from Alice: she has hit a pedestrian and is unsure of what to do. The film predominantly takes place inside the couple's car as they communicate with their daughter via speakerphone, attempting to assess the situation, make decisions, and reach the accident site as quickly as possible. As they draw closer, tensions rise between Maddie and Frank, old grievances and secrets surface, and their differing parenting philosophies clash. The film delves into themes of parental guilt, buried family secrets, and moral ambiguity, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere through its confined setting and minimalist storytelling. Critics have praised the film for its strong performances, particularly by Rosamund Pike, and its skillful building of suspense. The film premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival in March 2025 and was released in UK and Irish cinemas on May 16, 2025.