"THE HAUNTING OF HOLLYWOOD" (2024) Explores The Harsh Reality Behind Stardom (REVIEW)

Hollywood; where dreams are born, but also go to die. The truth behind the Land of the Stars is that not everyone gets to become one; and for some, that’s just too much to bear. Entertainment Squad’s genre label The Horror Collective and Mometu have teamed up to release the psychological thriller “The Haunting of Hollywood.” After having its exclusive streaming release on Mometu in early February, the film will be available for TVOD on May 6th, 2025.

Synopsis

Olivia (Tiffany Downey) is certain that she is destined to escape the small-town life and become a star in Hollywood. Having her son James (William Mann) “direct” snippets of her acting to send to potential agents, she becomes encompassed in the potential ritzy lifestyle. After receiving a call-back, the two pack up and move without looking back. Olivia is feeling electric as she believes this could be her big break. What she doesn’t know is that maybe Hollywood isn’t all what it’s cracked up to be…

After being denied numerous auditions, Olivia is starting to give up hope. James notices a distance in his mother that frightens him. Their small studio apartment lies a few miles away from the iconic Hollywood sign. On one of the coldest nights in Los Angeles history, Olivia takes the treacherous hike and makes it up to the highest point. Ultimately, taking her own life after jumping off the top of the sign.

Almost 20 years has passed by, and James still can’t cope with the fact that his mother is gone and he is willing to do anything to feel her presence again. James, his girlfriend Skyler (Stefanie Infante), and their friend Casey (David Lami Friebe) decide to take their chance and move to the place “where dreams come true” as an aspiring director, actress, and musician.

Before we go any further, we did want to mention that this film was inspired by the real-life tragedy that took place in 1932 where British actress Peg Entwistle took her own life by jumping from the Hollywood sign. We appreciate the approach that director Lilia Doytchinova took in creating this film to emphasize the importance of mental health awareness whilst respecting the deceased.

The Haunting Of Hollywood is a perfect example of how a film inspired by true events can still pay homage to the original story while entertaining its viewers. We were immediately drawn in by the cinematography done by the talented Lucas D. Miller. It was noted that the majority was shot during Covid times which made for the perfect eerie setting in what usually is clouded by the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.

As far as psychological thrillers go, sometimes the “psychological” aspect is lost in translation. Luckily, this was not the case with this film. There was a specific scene that stood out to us where James, Casey, and Skyler are driving down Hollywood Boulevard on their way to the sign and notice three “street performers” dressed as Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, and James Dean. When James looks back and the three performers are gone, it makes you wonder if they were even there at all, or if they were just symbolizing the lost souls of Hollywood’s past.

To touch on the acting, William Mann played the character of James exceptionally well. This film really highlighted the struggles of mental health that many people deal with on a daily basis; James was having a battle within himself, trying to find some sort of comfort by being in Hollywood at the last place his mother was alive, atop the sign.

Truly, we didn’t believe that James wanted to take his own life in the same way his mother did, but instead was wanting some sort of closure. Without any spoilers, the ending leaves you with a bit of a “interpret your own conclusion.” We thought that this only added to the intensity of the film and highlighted that “psychological” aspect once again.

Collectively, the whole cast did exceptionally well with their roles. We really enjoyed the “twist” that was used with James’ mother, Olivia. We see her as this bubbly, happy go-lucky mom who only wants best for her son, and to fulfill her Hollywood dream.

Later on in the film, we get a few flashback scenes to when James was younger and Olivia would berate him behind the scenes of her audition tapes. She would scold him for not using the video camera correctly, or make fun of his unusual demeanor. Unexpectedly, this added some more substance to the storyline and it paid off well; making you believe that James may have resented his mother in the end.

Watching James, Skyler, and Casey climb up to the Hollywood sign was almost poetic in a sense. Many have ventured to California in hopes of being one of the few who actually get their shot in Hollywood. In reality, they’re just like us; wanting to make something of themselves. Sometimes we get caught up in the mundanity of our everyday lives and forget to appreciate the little things that life has to offer.

As the three were taking the hike up to the sign, they run into a couple of skateboarders making videos on their Go-Pro in a small make-shift skatepark. The sun was setting in the back, highlighting the Los Angeles skyline. It felt as if this was meant to represent those who make the best of what they’ve been given in life, even if their hopes don’t prosper.

If it wasn’t already implied, we really did enjoy “The Haunting of Hollywood.” A fresh take on the classic trope of the Hollywood dream turning into a nightmare. With great re-watchability, and being just a little under an hour and a half run time, it didn’t drag on and kept us engaged the whole watch through. A special thanks to The Horror Collective and Mometu for providing us with the opportunity to preview the film early for review. Make sure to add this one to your watch list!

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