City folk often like to head to the hills for recreation or privacy. Going from Vancouver to secluded Desolation Sound seemed like a no-brainer for Laurel and Michael Elliot who eke out a bare living amidst the huge trees and tranquil coastline. Everything seems to be going relatively well for the couple (with their young daughter Margaret in tow) until one of their big city friends decides to pay them a visit.

Visitors can be a sight for sore eyes. Unwanted guests -- on the other hand -- may be anything but. A long lost friend's reappearance sends shockwaves through a family in Desolation Sound, a new thriller breathing life into this year's Vancouver International Film Festival.

Director Scott Weber provides us with a solid cast, beautiful scenery and your typical revenge storyline. Quirky characters enhance this story that explores lots of lust in the countryside. Nothing in a small town ever goes unnoticed, especially an uppity woman who likes being the centre of all attention.

Strong performances from a range of supporting characters enhance this story of evil in the backwoods. Ed Begley Jr. (Auto Focus) serves justice well as peace officer Sheriff Dough Shepard, a man with an impeachable record with Lothaire Bluteau (Jesus of Montréal) being a true stand-by-your-friends-style friend.