The psychological thriller “What Comes Around” (2022), directed by Amy Redford, masterfully uses setting to amplify its themes of suspicion, manipulation, and the hidden darkness within seemingly idyllic communities. The film primarily leverages locations around Park City, Utah, to establish its unsettling atmosphere.
The Allure and Disquiet of Park City: The Heart of “What Comes Around”
“What Comes Around” isn’t just filmed in Park City; it’s filmed with Park City. The location is integral to the narrative. The picturesque landscapes, often blanketed in snow, create a sense of isolation and vulnerability, a crucial element in reflecting the protagonist’s emotional journey. The seemingly perfect homes and affluent atmosphere subtly hint at the secrets and lies lurking beneath the surface. The movie’s use of wide shots showcasing the natural beauty juxtaposed with the intimacy of domestic spaces allows the audience to feel both invited into, and distanced from, the characters’ lives, amplifying the pervasive feeling of unease. The film’s visual language directly utilizes the environment to foreshadow events and deepen the audience’s understanding of the characters’ internal states.
The Deceptive Beauty of the Utah Landscape
The film makes extensive use of the natural landscapes surrounding Park City. This includes shots of snow-covered mountains, vast open fields, and dense forests. These scenes contribute to the film’s overall sense of foreboding, as the beauty of the surroundings contrasts sharply with the unsettling events unfolding within the story. The seemingly pristine environment becomes a symbol of the facade that many of the characters maintain. The use of winter, specifically, reinforces this theme; the cold, barren landscape reflects the emotional emptiness and isolation experienced by the characters.
The Ironic Comfort of Domestic Spaces
The homes featured in “What Comes Around” are carefully chosen to represent a certain lifestyle. They appear comfortable and secure, yet they are also spaces where secrets are harbored and vulnerabilities are exploited. The juxtaposition of these two elements is crucial in creating a sense of unease. The interior designs, while aesthetically pleasing, often feel sterile and impersonal, reflecting the detached relationships between the characters. These seemingly perfect homes become stages for deception and manipulation, further blurring the lines between appearance and reality.
Beyond Park City: Additional Filming Locations
While Park City, Utah, serves as the primary backdrop for “What Comes Around,” subtle glimpses of surrounding areas might also be discerned. These aren’t as prominently featured, but contribute to establishing the wider context of the story.
Supporting Locations and Their Impact
While the specific details of every single supplemental location are difficult to ascertain without official production notes, careful analysis of the film suggests that other nearby areas in Summit County, Utah, were likely used for establishing shots and secondary scenes. These areas offer similar aesthetic qualities to Park City, maintaining the visual consistency of the film’s environment. For instance, small town roads and highway entrances around Kamas and Coalville potentially contribute to the film’s sense of geographic scale.
Frequently Asked Questions About “What Comes Around” Filming Locations
Here are answers to common questions regarding the filming locations used in “What Comes Around”:
FAQ 1: Was “What Comes Around” filmed entirely in Park City?
No, while Park City serves as the primary filming location, the production likely utilized surrounding areas in Summit County, Utah, for additional scenes. The specific supplemental locations remain less documented.
FAQ 2: Why was Park City chosen as the filming location?
Park City’s blend of natural beauty, luxurious homes, and a certain sense of isolation made it a perfect setting for the film’s themes of secrets, manipulation, and vulnerability. Its visual appeal also added to the unsettling contrast between appearance and reality.
FAQ 3: Can I visit the specific houses used in the film?
Likely not easily. Many of the homes used in filming are private residences. While driving through residential areas of Park City might offer glimpses of similar architecture, access to the actual filming locations is restricted without permission from the homeowners.
FAQ 4: How does the snow affect the atmosphere of the film?
The snow plays a crucial role in establishing the film’s atmosphere. It creates a sense of isolation, coldness, and stark beauty, which mirrors the emotional states of the characters. The purity of the snow also contrasts with the darkness and deception that lies beneath the surface.
FAQ 5: Does the film use any notable landmarks in Park City?
While the film might feature recognizable streets and general landscapes familiar to Park City residents, it doesn’t prominently feature specific, iconic landmarks. The emphasis is on creating a general atmosphere rather than highlighting recognizable tourist attractions.
FAQ 6: How much of the film was shot on location versus on a set?
The majority of “What Comes Around” was shot on location in and around Park City, Utah. This authenticity contributes significantly to the film’s overall realism and immersive quality. While some interior shots were likely filmed on soundstages, the film primarily relies on real-world settings.
FAQ 7: Did the filming locations influence the script in any way?
While not explicitly stated, it’s highly probable that the filming locations influenced the script and visual storytelling. The availability of specific types of homes, landscapes, and overall aesthetic undoubtedly shaped the film’s visual narrative and thematic resonance.
FAQ 8: Are there any behind-the-scenes documentaries or interviews that discuss the filming locations?
Publicly available detailed documentaries specifically focused on the filming locations of “What Comes Around” are currently limited. However, promotional interviews with the director, Amy Redford, often touch upon the importance of location in establishing the film’s tone and atmosphere. Searching online video platforms using keywords such as “What Comes Around filming location interview” might reveal relevant content.
FAQ 9: What other movies have been filmed in Park City?
Park City, Utah, is a popular filming location. Numerous films have utilized its scenic landscapes, including parts of “Dumb and Dumber,” “The Brown Bunny,” and various independent films showcased at the Sundance Film Festival. Its proximity to Hollywood and diverse landscapes make it a frequent choice for filmmakers.
FAQ 10: Did the production team have any challenges filming in Park City, particularly during winter?
Filming in Park City during winter likely presented challenges related to weather conditions, accessibility, and equipment maintenance. However, the visual payoff of the snow-covered landscapes was undoubtedly worth the effort. Logistical planning and specialized equipment would have been essential for navigating the winter environment.
FAQ 11: Can I rent a house that was used in the filming of “What Comes Around”?
It’s unlikely you’d be able to specifically identify and rent a house definitively used in the film without inside information from the production. Even if identified, access for rental purposes is dependent upon the homeowner’s decision. Public records may offer some clues, but direct confirmation is difficult.
FAQ 12: How can I learn more about the specific filming locations used in “What Comes Around”?
Further research into film production databases, local Park City news archives, and potential contacts with the Park City Film Office may yield more specific information. Reaching out to local film enthusiasts or Park City residents knowledgeable about the area could also provide valuable insights. Keeping an eye out for official press releases or behind-the-scenes materials released by the production company is recommended.
Concluding Thoughts: The Enduring Power of Place in “What Comes Around”
Ultimately, the choice of Park City, Utah, as the primary filming location for “What Comes Around” significantly elevates the film’s thematic impact. The unsettling beauty of the landscapes, the deceptive comfort of the homes, and the overall atmosphere of hidden secrets work in perfect harmony to create a truly immersive and thought-provoking cinematic experience. The film serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that darkness can lurk in the most unexpected places, a lesson amplified by the film’s masterful use of its environment.