Featured, Movie Reviews

‘Land’ Review – A Moving and Incredibly Human Film

Synopsis:

From acclaimed actress Robin Wright comes her directorial debut LAND, the poignant story of one woman’s search for meaning in the vast and harsh American wilderness. Edee (Wright), in the aftermath of an unfathomable event, finds herself unable to stay connected to the world she once knew and in the face of that uncertainty, retreats to the magnificent, but unforgiving, wilds of the Rockies. After a local hunter (Demián Bichir) brings her back from the brink of death, she must find a way to live again.

You may never know what someone is truly going through. No matter how well someone may seem, their world could actually be crumbling around them. Everyone responds to tragedy differently. Some attempt to smile through the pain, some have complete breakdowns, while others detach from reality and give up on everything. As a friend, loved one, or perhaps just a compassionate person, all you can do is empathize and be there for them when they need you. In my experience, oftentimes people just need someone in their corner. They need to know that someone somewhat understands their pain and plight. Time may heal all wounds but it doesn’t hurt to have a companion to speed up the process.

Robin Wright’s directorial debut, Land is moving and incredibly human. The somber film delves into what a deep and dark grief-ridden depression can look like juxtaposed with its beautiful idyllic setting. Most importantly, it reminds us that compassion, kindness, and selflessness still exist, and sometimes it’s what we need to survive. This is a story that thrives on performance and they certainly delivered. You could be told every detail of the film and still not fully comprehend the weight of its contents. The subject matter is not only heavy but is relatable. Furthermore, it’s a journey of resilience and rediscovery, but once you uncover the film’s mystery, you begin to question what your own actions would be. With its themes of fellowship, serving others, strength, and healing it’s a film that is perfect for right now. There are some great scenes to go along with its great delivery. The vulnerability of the film is refreshing; we all need help from time to time. Its tone and cinematography are calming, the score is serene, and its writing is introspective. I found Land to be a pleasing viewing experience. Its rewatchability is medium-high

Robin Wright stars as “Edee” in her feature directorial debut LAND, a Focus Features release. Credit: Daniel Power / Focus Features

Plot & Pace

When a tragic event reshapes Edee’s entire reality, life as she knows it will never be the same. Not knowing how to continue on, she decides to seclude herself deep in the wildness. With only a finite amount of provisions and no discernible survival skills, the place she is now calling home could also be her casket. Eventually, she has a slight run-in with some wildlife which almost leads to her demise. That is until she is rescued by a passing-by stranger who nurses her back to health. Now she must find the will and strength to carry on and find a reason to continue living.

Robin Wright (left) stars as “Edee” and Demián Bichir (right) stars as “Miguel” in LAND, a Focus Features release. Credit: Daniel Power / Focus Features

Characters & Chemistry

Robin Wright delivers a strong, mesmerizing performance as Edee. She spends a great deal of the film in solitude and I couldn’t look away. Her attention to detail and the way she presents loneliness as well as the struggle between giving up and finding purpose is done exceptionally well. The majority of the shared screentime is with Miguel (Demián Bichir). They didn’t require a ton of dialogue to convey their chemistry but when they did fully interact, it makes the story increasingly meaningful.

Land releases in theaters on February 12th, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.