Aahana Swrup
‘Echo Valley’ is a tense thriller film in which a cry for help leads to some risky roads. The story’s protagonist, Kate, is a barn-owner and horse trainer who is grieving in isolation after the death of her partner. One day, out of the blue, her daughter, Claire, shows up for a visit. Nonetheless, little does the mother know that her kid and her bloodstained hands are bound to bring inevitable trouble to her door. Eventually, as the layers peel off, the truth reveals a menacing drug dealer who threatens to put the entire family at risk. Naturally, this includes Coop, Kate’s beloved dog, who remains one of the only few reliable companions by her side. Given the general danger that circles his owner, the canine’s fate remains a point of concern. SPOILERS AHEAD!
Coop Survives and Remains by Kate’s Side
After Patty’s death, Coop remains one of the only friends the widow can rely on. Her grief has compelled her to isolate herself on her farm, even cancelling her clientele’s horseback riding lessons. Still, her horses and the loyal Coop continue to serve as her companions during this time. It’s evident that the dog has a long and varied history with his owner, given his unique relationship with Claire. Apparently, he only ever perks up and barks like so when the young woman visits. Interestingly enough, dogs are known to be wary of perceived dangers or threats, which is exactly what Claire ends up being for her mom on various occasions.
Claire’s ruse about Ryan and his “death” in the woods incriminates Kate, who helps her daughter get rid of the body without knowing who exactly is wrapped up in the sheets. As a result, she becomes vulnerable to Jackie, the drug dealer, who knows she had a part to play in dumping the body of Greg, the kid who died because of Claire and Ryan. Consequently, he uses this information to blackmail Kate into sourcing huge amounts of money for him, which compels the woman to set fire to her own barn for the insurance money. Fortunately, while Jackie wants the other animals in the barn, the insured horses, to die in the fire, Coop is in no direct danger under this plan.
In fact, even the horses end up surviving as Kate cleverly uses the barn fire as a ruse to set Jackie up for Greg’s murder. In the end, she’s released of any criminal suspicions and walks away eligible for the insurance payout. Thus, she and Coop return to their normal momentarily, looking forward to a new chapter in their lives. Yet, just as things calm down, Coop barks once again at the door, signaling Claire’s return in their life. Although the consequences of this knock remain ambiguous for now, if the dog’s barking is any indicator of danger, Kate’s daughter, if forgiven, is bound to pull her into another trap. Either way, the barn owner will continue to have her trusty canine by her side for the ride ahead.
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