Valley of the Gods 2020

John Ecas, portrayed by Josh Hartnett, makes his way to the majestic Valley of the Gods in southeastern Utah, located near the iconic Monument Valley, a place where the spirits of Navajo deities are said to inhabit the towering rocks. Once a thriving copywriter, his life took a downward spiral when his wife, Jaime Ray Newman, chose to walk away from their marriage. In a bid to regain his footing, Ecas’s therapist, John Rhys-Davies, recommended he engage in outrageous activities. Embracing this unconventional advice, he embarks on a mission to pen The Great American Novel, bringing to life the vivid fantasies that swirl in his mind.

Suddenly, the narrative shifts as we are introduced to Wes Tauros, played by John Malkovich, the wealthiest man on the planet who finds himself entrapped in silence following a personal tragedy. He has set his sights on the Valley of the Gods, eager to extract uranium from its sacred land. This proposal ignites a fierce divide among the Navajo people; some are tempted by the allure of wealth, while others are outraged at the prospect of profaning their hallowed ground.

Ecas arrives at Tauros’ lavish estate under the pretense of writing a biography about him, but soon discovers that the environment is filled with eccentricities and unexpected events. The plot intricately weaves together the lives of Tauros, Ecas, the Navajo community, and the ancient Old Gods. The film resonates with a profound respect for Navajo culture while simultaneously expressing deep disdain for Tauros’s greedy pursuits, as well as the insatiable consumerism prevalent in modern society.

Amidst this tapestry of narratives, the characters navigate a world shaped by dreams, desires, and the relentless clash between tradition and modernity. The film is a rich exploration of these themes, capturing the complexity of the human experience against the backdrop of a land steeped in spiritual significance.