This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
In countless moments of profound grief, I’ve yearned for the liberation of an aimless journey, where I could simply hop in a car, surrender to the open road’s allure, and let it lead me to unexplored horizons. The idea of escaping the confines of routine and responsibilities, with no specific destination in mind, beckons like a siren’s call. I crave the freedom to roam, to let the wind carry away my sorrows, and to immerse myself in the therapeutic rhythm of tires on asphalt. In these moments, it’s not about arriving somewhere; it’s about embracing the unknown and finding solace in the unpredictability of the road, where catharsis and self-discovery await like hidden treasures.
In The Unknown Country, this is exactly what Tana (Lily Gladstone) does as she embarks on a profound quest of healing and self-discovery. Encased in an aura of shock and detachment, she surrenders to the pull of her car’s open door, her heart yearning for an escape to anywhere, everywhere. Her fingers hesitantly remove a handicapped parking sign, hinting at the invisible burdens she carries – the weight of unspoken sorrows or the devotion to a beloved with special needs. As the enigmatic Tana journeys through the Texas-Mexico borderlands, she seeks solace in reuniting with her ancestral Oglala Lakota tribe and the echoes of her roots. Along the winding roads, she unveils the hidden truths of her grief for her departed grandmother, while discovering the echoes of her own identity amidst the ever-changing landscapes.
Lily Gladstone’s poignant portrayal breathes life into the film’s evocative beauty. Writer and director Morrisa Maltz’s creative brilliance shines through as she deftly intertwines documentary elements with drama, infusing the narrative with a natural and immersive ambiance. Viewers, like voyeurs, find themselves drawn into a state of observation, accompanying Tana on her soul-stirring journey and gaining profound insights into the lives of the characters, particularly Native Americans. The film becomes a window into their world, where we glimpse their philosophies, traditions, and weddings, all woven together like a rich tapestry. The supporting characters each bring a captivating tale to the fore, be it the compassionate waitress cherishing her customers or the resilient Shangreaux family navigating the complexities of parenthood and coping with loss. The Unknown Country transcends the boundaries of reality and fiction, inviting us to embrace the deeply human connections that shape our memories, discoveries, and the desire for a vibrant and fulfilling existence.
The film’s beautiful cinematography from Andrew Hajek performs a mesmerizing dance, enchantingly transforming ordinary landmarks into profound emblems of identity. Wrapped in nostalgia, Tana clings devotedly to a treasured photograph of her grandmother, its origins a delightful enigma, yet carrying profound significance. The film’s unconventional plot becomes a canvas for poignant moments that stir the soul, as both characters and the untamed wilderness around them unleash exquisite waves of emotional catharsis. Amidst the rhythmic cadence of the journey, the present moment emerges like a tapestry of contemplation, with snippets of political discourse on the radio stimulating Tana’s reflective musings. Every frame seems to breathe with life, transcending visual beauty alone, and delving into the very essence of existence. The story becomes an eloquently immersive odyssey, leaving an indelible imprint on the heart and mind, as its vibrant allure resonates long after the final scene fades.
The Unknown Country gracefully unfolds as a remarkably simple yet highly effective story. With masterful finesse, it delicately explores the experiences of a woman on a solitary journey, touching upon occasional moments of fear and unwanted attention on the road. However, the film also embraces the brighter facets of society and humanity, epitomized by an enchanting episode where Tana embraces the warmth of strangers on the dance floor of a lively country club. Led by Lily Gladstone’s exceptional performance, the film artfully weaves together a tapestry of captivating and enlightening human connections. Swift and comforting at a mere 85 minutes, The Unknown Country emanates a low-key majesty, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of its audience.
The Unknown Country will debut in theaters in NY and LA on July 28, 2023 courtesy of Music Box Films. The film will expand nationally in the following weeks.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enT3zQzvhGw]
The Unknown Country gracefully unfolds as a remarkably simple yet highly effective story. With masterful finesse, it delicately explores the experiences of a woman on a solitary journey, touching upon occasional moments of fear and unwanted attention on the road.
Codie Allen is a passionate trans and queer film critic and entertainment writer based in Orlando, FL. A Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, Dorian Awards member, and CACF member, they also contribute to The Curb and InSession Film. When they’re not writing about films, you can find them sipping way too much tea and listening to Taylor Swift.
