Sydney Sweeney‘s Echo Valley thriller has garnered considerable attention on Apple TV+, climbing to third place in the platform’s movie rankings despite receiving a modest 52% Rotten Tomatoes score. Released on the streaming service on June 13, 2025, after a limited theatrical run in the U.S. and Canada, the film is drawing viewers with its gripping portrayal of a mother‘s moral struggle.
The Story Behind Echo Valley’s Rising Popularity
Echo Valley, featuring Emmy-winning actress Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney, has seen steady growth in viewership, even with mixed critical responses. It ranks below only Fountain of Youth and The Gorge on Apple TV+, surpassing other major releases like Wolfs and Greyhound. Fountain of Youth is a heist action-adventure starring Natalie Portman and John Krasinski, while The Gorge is a sci-fi romance with Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller.
The film’s IMDb rating sits at 6.3, reflecting a range of audience reactions. However, its steady climb on Apple TV+ charts underlines that mixed scores on Rotten Tomatoes have not deterred viewers from giving it a chance.
A Closer Look at Echo Valley’s Plot and Characters
Produced by Ridley Scott and directed by Michael Pearce, known for Beast and Encounter, Echo Valley is a slow-burning thriller exploring the limits of maternal love and morality. The story follows Kate Garrett (Julianne Moore), a horse trainer living on a Pennsylvania farm, who is grappling with grief after the recent death of her wife. Kate’s world is upended when her daughter Claire (Sydney Sweeney), who struggles with drug addiction, suddenly appears at her door drenched in blood.
Claire’s arrival sets off a tense emotional journey as she confesses to a grave crime, pushing Kate into a deeply complex moral dilemma. Torn between protecting her daughter and confronting harsh truths, Kate must navigate extreme choices, further complicated by her grief and isolation.
The rural setting of the horse farm adds a rustic, stark background to this character-driven narrative, intertwining themes of loyalty, addiction, survival, and family bonds. Alongside Moore and Sweeney, the cast includes Fiona Shaw, Kyle MacLachlan, Edmund Donovan, and Domhnall Gleeson. The screenplay, crafted by Brad Inglesby, creator of Mare of Easttown, intensifies the film’s focus on psychological tension.
Assessing Echo Valley: A Thrilling but Complex Viewing Experience
Unlike traditional thrillers that rely heavily on plot twists or fast-paced action, Echo Valley emphasizes mood, character depth, and processing intense emotional conflicts. Both Moore and Sweeney deliver performances that challenge the audience’s sympathies, portraying deeply flawed, complicated characters.
The narrative gradually shifts from the initial heartbreaking mother–daughter scenario to a darker, more pulp-inspired story. Kate’s desperation leads her to financially support Claire’s rehab, pushing the mother into precarious moral territory. Subsequent plot twists deepen the complexity of their relationship and intensify Kate’s internal struggles.
By the second major twist, viewers face a scenario that tests conventional storytelling expectations. Kate evolves from a protective parent into someone confronting the eroding boundaries of her ethical beliefs amidst betrayal and grief.
Sydney Sweeney presents a markedly different persona here compared to her previous roles and recent American Eagle ad campaigns, showing a more volatile and emotionally raw side. However, Julianne Moore’s commanding presence stands out, anchoring the movie with a compelling performance.
If you appreciate slow-building psychological thrillers that focus on raw performances and moral ambiguity, Echo Valley is worth streaming. Conversely, those seeking tightly woven plots or conventional, action-driven suspense may find it less satisfying, as the film prioritizes atmosphere over neat resolutions or believability.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Echo Valley on Sydney Sweeney’s Career
Echo Valley introduces audiences to a new dimension of Sydney Sweeney’s acting capabilities, potentially opening doors for her in darker, more complex roles. The movie’s reception, despite its critical division, highlights how storytelling driven by intense character studies continues to attract interest in streaming platforms.
As Echo Valley remains available on Apple TV+, its steady rise in popularity suggests a growing audience for mood-focused thrillers anchored by strong performances. The film’s layered exploration of grief, addiction, and family will likely resonate with viewers who seek emotionally charged narratives beyond surface-level suspense.
