Original score from the 2024 horror drama feature film directed by Samuel Van Grinsven, starring Dacre Montgomery, Vicky Krieps and
Joel Tobeck, produced by POP Film and Causeway Films, released by Greenwich Entertainment (USA) and Vendetta Films (Australia).

THE STORY: Jack ventures to remote New Zealand for the funeral of his estranged mother and meets her widow Jill. But his mother’s spirit returns to inhabit each of their bodies, instigating a life-threatening three-way nocturnal dance.

THE SCORE: “The original score for Went Up the Hill was a unique challenge for me, particularly in striking a balance between the intimate and the otherworldly. I leaned heavily into ambient-style vocals and extended vocal techniques – larynx tapping, pitch drifting, ASMR-like ticks and clicks, breath elements, and more. The film explores deep psychological trauma, and the score was crafted to reflect and explore the interior lives of its characters as they descend into memory and grief.” – Hanan Townshend

THE COMPOSER: Hanan Townshend is an award-winning composer known for his poetic orchestral scoring and evocative, cinematic commercial work. A longtime collaborator of legendary filmmaker Terrence Malick, Townshend made his mark in film with his piano arrangements for the Palme d’Or-winning The Tree of Life (2011). He went on to compose the score for Malick’s To the Wonder (2014), collaborating on sonics with acclaimed producer Daniel Lanois, followed by Knight of Cups (2015), Voyage of Time (2016), and ongoing contributions to Malick’s future projects. Beyond his work with Malick, Townshend has scored an array of acclaimed feature films, including Julio Quintana’s Blue Miracle (2021) and The Long Game (2023). A native of New Zealand, Townshend studied at the New Zealand School of Music at Victoria University before furthering his education in film scoring and production at the University of Texas. He now composes for international projects from his studio in Austin, Texas.

MMS25016 WENT UP THE HILL (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Music Composed by HANAN TOWNSHEND
Release date: August 29, 2025