Echo Valley has just been released on Apple TV+, and the film has an incredible cast of veteran actors. The movie centers around a young woman who returns home after several years, covered in blood and begging for her mother’s help. It’s a very dark mystery that explores themes of familial discontent, independence, and hidden secrets in a way that’s constantly compelling thanks to the standout performances.

Although Echo Valley’s reviews have been mixed, there’s still plenty to enjoy about the movie. It’s a very well-crafted story that knows exactly how to catch the audience’s attention, and its astute character work ensures that viewers are always inside these figures’ minds as they navigate the film’s central mystery. As a whole, the movie is aided strongly by brilliant performances, of which there are several.

Sydney Sweeney As Claire Garrett

Born September 12, 1997

• Active Since: 2009

Actor: Sydney Sweeney was born in Spokane, Washington in 1997 and began her acting career as a teenager with roles in Grey’s Anatomy, 90210, and Pretty Little Liars. Her breakthrough role was in HBO’s Euphoria, where she portrayed the character of Cᴀssie Howard and secured an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Since then, she’s appeared in both major studio productions like Madame Web and Anyone But You, and smaller-budget films such as Immaculate.

Character: Claire is one of Echo Valley’s main characters, and Sweeney does a brilliant job of highlighting her complex morals and ambiguous intentions. The movie kicks off with Claire returning home to spend time with her mother after a long stint in rehab, before their relationship is tested even further when she comes back in the middle of the night covered in blood. Despite Echo Valley’s polarizing reception, Sweeney’s performance is consistently a highlight.

Julianne Moore As Kate Garrett

Born December 3, 1960

• Active Since: 1984

Actor: Julianne Moore was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina in 1960 and became famous for her recurring role in the soap opera As The World Turns between 1985 and 1988. After a starring role in Steven Spielberg’s Jurᴀssic Park: The Lost World, Moore landed major roles in Magnolia, The Big Lebowski, and Children of Men. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her emotional turn in Still Alice, and has been nominated on an additional four occasions. Her role in HBO’s Game Change also secured her an Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award in the same year.

Character: Kate’s character is certainly the most interesting of Echo Valley’s cast, as it’s through her eyes that the audience experiences this high-octane story of betrayal and secrecy. At the beginning of the film, she’s mourning the recent death of her wife and her daughter’s ongoing problems with addiction.

Domhnall Gleeson As Jackie Lyman

Born May 12, 1983

• Active Since: 2001

Actor: Domhnall Gleeson was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1983 and began his career by writing and directing several short films. He secured a Tony Award nomination for his stage role in The Lieutenant of Inishmore, before breaking through as Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter movies. Gleeson later had a starring role in Ex Machina, which many audiences cite as his strongest performance to date. He also appeared as General Hux in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, beginning with The Force Awakens. He is the son of acclaimed actor Brendan Gleeson.

Character: Jackie is the main antagonist of Echo Valley, a volatile drug dealer who’s owed money by Claire’s boyfriend, and who will stop at nothing to get it back. It’s his actions that kick off the entire story, but he really shines in Echo Valley’s third act when he sets up an elaborate scheme to extort Kate of everything she owns.

Kyle MacLachlan as Richard Garrett

Born February 22, 1959

• Active Since: 1979

Actor: Kyle MacLachlan was born in Yakima, Washington in 1959 and landed his film debut in David Lynch’s 1984 Dune adaptation. The pair became close friends and collaborated on four more projects before Lynch’s death in 2025, including his long-running mystery series, Twin Peaks. MacLachlan portrayed the main character of Dale Cooper, an ambitious detective with a strange connection to the supernatural. Since then, MacLachlan has appeared in projects such as How I Met Your Mother, Sєx and the City, and Inside Out.

Character: Though MacLachlan only appears in a single scene of Echo Valley, his character’s presence dictates much of the story. He’s Kate’s ex-husband, and he serves as a constant reminder for Moore’s protagonist that her life isn’t what she’d expected or hoped for. His financial success is a perfect mirror to Kate’s personal and professional struggles.

Fiona Shaw as Les

Born July 10, 1958

• Active Since: 1983

Actor: Fiona Shaw was born in Cobh, Ireland in 1958 and began her career on the stage, where she worked extensively with the Royal Shakespeare Company. She received Olivier Awards for Best Actress in 1990 and 1994 for her roles in As You Like It and Machinal. She is also known for playing Petunia Dursley in the Harry Potter films, alongside supporting roles in My Left Foot and The Tree of Life. Shaw has also received awards for her roles in Fleabag and Killing Eve, and most recently appeared in Disney’s Andor series.

Character: Though Les is only a supporting character, she plays a huge role in Echo Valley’s ending. She’s a close friend of Kate’s who offers her some much-needed company when Claire returns and throws her life upside-down, and she’s the only person whom Kate feels she can trust with the truth of her situation.

Echo Valley Supporting Cast & Characters

Echo Valley Has A Few Key Players In Smaller Roles

Albert Jones as Detective Ballard – Jones is an American actor primarily known for his work on television. Since the early 2000s, he has appeared in shows such as Law & Order, House of Cards, and Mindhunter. Most recently, he starred in Netflix’s The Night Agent season 2.

Edmund Donovan as Ryan – Donovan is an American stage actor best known for his role as Joe in Greater Clements. He also played Christopher in the 2015 film Akron, which garnered huge critical acclaim. His further credits include Hightown, High Fidelity, and Orange is the New Black.

Rebecca Creskoff as Emma – Creskoff is an American actor who has guest-starred in long-running projects such as Law & Order, The West Wing, Desperate Housewives, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. She recently made the transition to movies with ClearMind and Echo Valley.