The late actress filmed the indie horror in 2023 before her July 2024 death
Audiences can see the late Shelley Duvall’s final film in early October.
Duvall, who died in July due to complications from diabetes at 75, appeared in her final film The Forest Hills. The indie horror film’s trailer was released on Friday, Sept. 13.
Her recent role follows more than 20 years off-screen, as she last acted in Manna from Heaven (2002).
The Forest Hills was directed by Scott Goldberg and follows Rico (Chiko Mendez), the son of Duvall’s character, as he increasingly falls into madness. He’s haunted by old dark secrets and nightmare visions of becoming a werewolf. The film is set in the Catskill Mountains, where Rico begins to grow more fearful, all while dealing with his tumultuous relationship with his mother.
Goldberg was eager to work with the Hollywood legend and said he called Duvall in 2023 and asked her to play a supporting role. “Shelley’s a Hollywood icon. I’m happy that she has the opportunity to show that she still has the talent,” Goldberg told PEOPLE last year.
Duvall was filmed remotely in her Texas home and directed via Zoom.
“Acting again—it’s so much fun. It enriches your life,” Duvall told PEOPLE at the time.
“It’s great fun being back,” she said in an interview for the film. “I do love this work. It can really help bring you out of a slump.”
Before her death, The Shining actress told the New York Times that she was motivated to participate in the film because “wanted to act again.” Adding, “And then this guy kept calling, and so I wound up doing it.”
Duvall retired from acting after making Manna from Heaven. In 2016, Duvall made an appearance on the Dr. Phil show that was widely criticized at the time as being exploitative of her mental health struggles. In 2021, she expressed her regrets about her appearance with The Hollywood Reporter.
Following her death, Goldberg told PEOPLE how he will remember the actress after her death.
“Shelley leaves behind an amazing legacy and will be missed by so many people, myself included,” he said. “I am proud of her for overcoming adversity to act again and will always be forever grateful for her friendship and kindness.”
The Forest Hills will have a limited theatrical release beginning Friday, Oct. 4. Shelley Duvall Special Edition Blu-ray Pre-Order is available at www.WatchTheForestHills.com.
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