Land is a 2021 drama that revolves around a woman who decides to live in the wilderness after suffering a traumatic event.
What’s great about the film industry is that it’s so interesting to discover some new talents and hidden gems, which is mainly one of the main reasons why people love Sundance love so much. After having its World Premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, Land is another great title to add to your watchlist. Robin Wright takes on her feature directorial debut with a screenplay written by Jesse Chatham and Erin Dignam, and it really is a stunning showcase of her talent as a filmmaker. She also plays the main protagonist, and it’s another wonderful performance that she should most certainly be proud of. It’s a masterful execution of survival storytelling that emphasizes the meaning of life.
After experiencing the aftermath of a tragic event that has heavily impacted her life, Edee (Wright) has been struggling to cope with her grief. She decides to get away from the city and instead live in the American wilderness as a way to get through her personal demons. Her retreat to this harsh world will hopefully give her a brand new perspective on what it means to truly live again. This is a very profound drama with compelling themes that will be sure to resonate with the audience. It’s undeniably hard to move on from the past, which is something they explore very well.
Wright steals the show. As the lead actress and director of the film, she is outstanding, and her hard work deserves the utmost respect. She has directed some episodes for a television show before, and it’s not always easy for filmmakers to go from directing TV to features. However, she pulls it off very well. You can feel the pain that her character carries from start to finish. She also grows as a person, because the screenwriters make sure to give her lots of development as the movie goes on. It’s a very touching premise elevated by her fantastic performance and a terrific script. The uncertainty that she faces is present throughout, which is quite emotional to see. You’re rooting for her to endure the difficult circumstances of her new life.
Ultimately, it is a movie about survival and trauma. It’s beautifully shot with impressive camerawork from Bobby Bukowski, and it’s impressive seeing the remarkable landscapes on screen. Shot in Calgary, Didsbury, and Kananaskis, the filmmakers have fully utilized the outdoor location as a strong tool to amplify the tone and atmosphere. It clearly sounds like a simple story, but there’s still some form of complexity in regards to the important themes that you’ll notice while watching the film. There are times you will feel like you’re actually there in the wilderness with Edee, which is a great way of getting the audience immersed in this world.
Land is a marvelous directorial debut from Robin Wright. It’s a beautiful, touching and emotional drama that will make you keep an eye out for her upcoming features. A tragic story for sure, but it’s something that anyone will definitely connect with.