In the opening scene, Paul (Edward Herrmann) and his son, Billy (Peter Billingsley), enjoy a wonderful time together. However, as their time ends, Paul must comfort Billy, who is shocked and upset. Billy is about to return to his mother, Sally (Catherine Hicks), for an extended period, following the parents' split. Sally has found love again with an old high school friend, Mike (Paul Le Mat), and they plan to take a road trip to visit significant attractions, including Death Valley. As the trio embarks on their adventure, it becomes evident that Billy feels like the odd one out. Mike and Sally seem eager to spend quality time together, leaving Billy disappointed. To complicate matters, a mysterious serial killer is active in the area. The killer brutally murders a pair of young teenagers who are hanging around an old gold mine, and soon after, Billy discovers the gruesome aftermath. Now, he, Sally, and Mike have become the killer’s new primary targets. Will this unconventional family be able to uncover the killer's identity and find a way to escape the deadly chaos? "Death Valley" is a horror thriller film that incorporates elements of the slasher genre. Its premise revolves around a mysterious serial killer who targets various victims, ultimately hunting down Billy and his family. The enigma surrounding the killer is a central plot point throughout the story. The identity of the killer and the methods used are crucial aspects of the plot, with the film’s reveal in the third and final act being entirely unexpected during my first viewing. The film is directed by Dick Richards, whose previous works include "Farewell, My Lovely" (1975) and "Heat" (1986). Death Valley is a mixed bag for me as a film. I appreciated the central mystery surrounding an unknown violent killer, and the film features a fun reveal and twist. Peter Billingsley, who plays Billy's role, delivers a fantastic performance. It was surprising to see a young actor in such a central role, which made the film feel different, risky, and enticing as a horror experience. However, the characters Mike and Sally are poorly written and often unlikeable due to their questionable choices and careless attitudes. The performances by Paul Le Mat and Catherine Hicks come across as weak and less compelling, even during the most horrifying moments on screen. Overall, Death Valley has some positive aspects to offer. I appreciated its unique concept, which centres around a mysterious serial killer whose primary target is a young boy and his family. This refreshing and bold premise differentiates it from typical horror and slasher films. Peter Billingsley delivers an excellent performance as the young protagonist, although the supporting characters are somewhat lacking. The kills are entertaining, and the final revelations about the killer are unexpected, effectively tying together various plot details. However, the film's concluding moments feel rushed and ultimately unsatisfying. * This review has been written for Sanity. For more reviews from Walkden Entertainment, check out the link here: www.walkdenentertainment.com