What’s it about?

In the aftermath of personal tragedy, a woman searches for meaning by isolating herself in the vast and harsh American wilderness.

What did we think?

Peter Linning says: Land is a thoughtful and effective film about grief and acceptance, with a strong lead performance by Robin Wright in her directorial debut. We’re introduced to the central character as she’s still reeling from unspecified trauma, deliberately and determinedly retreating to a cabin in the wilderness, throwing away her phone and disposing of her car.

The restraint shown in the lack of exposition at the beginning pays off quickly – without much backstory and without anyone to speak to, Edee’s struggle to survive becomes a physical challenge as much as an emotional one, and on both counts, Wright does a fantastic job. We’re eventually introduced to Miguel (the excellent Demián Bichir), a similarly lonesome hunter, but the movie wisely never veers into reconnection-through-romance tropes.

Largely free from dialogue and packed with stunning photography of the Canadian wilderness, the glacial pace of the movie won’t be for everyone, but gives the movie (and lead character) space to breathe. 8/10