Shelley Duvall’s last film with local director

Shelley Duvall, the beloved actress known for her iconic roles in films like The Shining and Popeye, has made a poignant return to the big screen in the independent psychological horror-thriller The Forest Hills. Directed by Glen Cove native Scott Goldberg, the film marks Duvall’s first acting role in two decades and, tragically, her final performance before her death on July 7, 2024, at the age of 75.
Goldberg, who graduated from Glen Cove High School in 2000, has always had a deep connection to his hometown, often using it as the backdrop for his early filmmaking endeavors. This connection played a crucial role in The Forest Hills, which was filmed in various locations, including Deer Park, Mount Sinai/Port Jefferson, and upstate New York. Goldberg even returned to his alma mater, Glen Cove High School, to shoot several scenes. The film will be released on Oct. 4.
The film follows the story of Rico, portrayed by Chiko Mendez, who suffers from head trauma after a camping trip in the Catskills. His condition leads to disturbing hallucinations, including visions of his mother, played by Duvall. These flashbacks and visions anchor Duvall’s character, Mama, as a significant figure in Rico’s troubled mind.
Duvall’s involvement in the film came as a surprise to many, given her two-decade hiatus from acting. Duvall eventually settled in Blanco, and in recent years, her health had declined, making it difficult for her to travel. Despite these challenges, Duvall was eager to return to the screen, and Goldberg was determined to make it happen.
Filming took place over a five-day period at Duvall’s home in Blanco, Texas. The first day of shooting involved a small crew from Georgia, capturing a flashback sequence with Duvall speaking directly to the camera. As the production progressed, her role was expanded from a cameo to a featured supporting role, allowing Duvall to interact with other characters in the film.

Among the cast members Duvall worked with was Felissa Rose, an Oyster Bay native best known for her role in the 1983 slasher film Sleepaway Camp. Rose appeared alongside Duvall in her first scene back on camera
“People always ask me if I was freaking out about working with Shelley Duvall,” Goldberg said. “Obviously, she’s an icon in Hollywood, but as I got to know her over the three-day period of filming with her, I found her to be very sweet, giving, and kind.”
For Goldberg, the project was a homecoming of sorts. Having spent his early years making guerrilla-style films in Glen Cove, he returned to familiar locations like Welwyn Preserve to bring his vision to life. “There was a thrill about not getting permits and just creating movies with friends,” Goldberg reminisced. “But now, being 42, doing things more properly, it feels like coming full circle.”