Land Parent Guide
This film is an impressive solo act for Robin Wright. The director and star has crafted a beautiful film that delves into the very heart of grief.
Parent Movie Review
It’s not uncommon to want a break from society’s rat race every now and then, but for Edee (Robin Wright) the desire is greater than that. Crippled by grief (the cause of which is yet unknown to us, the audience) the anguished woman is behaving like a wounded animal. All she wants to do is crawl away to some lonely place where she can privately lick her wounds.
Brushing off the help offered by her concerned sister (Kim Dickens), Edee heads for the hills with a trailer full of camping supplies in tow. Trading a city apartment for an off-the-grid mountain cabin, the stubborn urbanite is determined to unplug and go it alone. And in her present state of mind, that sometimes wanders into suicidal thoughts, she really doesn’t care if she survives or not.
Surrounded by wilderness, Edee attempts to lose herself in its beauty while burying her sorrows in the hard work of obtaining food and maintaining shelter. Despite the endless days of blistered hands, perilous chores (she nearly drowns trying to get drinking water from a fast-flowing stream) and the distraction of reading how-to books, stray memories still come back to haunt her. (One of these flashbacks depicts Edee and a man kissing and caressing.)
Yet those painful moments prove to be the least of the hermit’s worries once winter sets in and a prowling bear paws through her food supply. Feeling like all of nature is conspiring against her, Edee now faces the real prospect of freezing and/or starving to death. Then, miraculously, a passing stranger (Miguel played by Demián Bichir) accidentally stumbles upon her desperate situation. (Rescue efforts include undressing the hypothermic woman and some brief, obscured nudity is seen.)
This film is quite the solo act for Robin Wright. Not only is she the most frequent face on screen, but the production is her directorial debut too. In front of the camera the character she interacts with most is the landscape - it alternates roles, playing both the villain and best supporting actor. Behind the scenes Wright has crafted a slow-paced hike that occasionally happens upon action sequences, such as wildlife encounters, hunting violence (some blood is seen when an animal is gutted and cleaned) and battles with the elements. Now and then the script portrays the interactions between Edee and Miguel, and eventually reveals the motivations that drove Edee to seek refuge in the backcountry.
Anyone looking for high adventure would do better searching elsewhere. Casual viewers are sure to be awed by the cinemaphotography that captures absolutely gorgeous scenery (attributed to Wyoming, USA, though shot in Alberta, Canada). However, those interested in exploring the human condition, the sorts of experiences that sear the soul and the healing power of serene solitude will find more than enough here to hold their attention. Land is an emotional journey that shows the grounding power of personal connections—and that seems particularly poignant during a time when many are grappling with pandemic-imposed isolation.
Directed by Robin Wright. Starring Robin Wright, Demián Bichir, and Sarah Dawn Pledge. Running time: 89 minutes. Theatrical release February 12, 2021. Updated October 2, 2021About author
Watch the trailer for Land
Land
Rating & Content Info
Why is Land rated PG-13? Land is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for thematic content, brief strong language, and partial nudity.
Violence: A character wrestles with a grieving woman and pleads with her not to hurt herself. A character has suicidal thoughts and is briefly seen holding a gun under chin. An angry and frustrated character screams, cries and kicks things. Blisters on hands are shown. A character risks drowning when swimming in a fast-moving stream. Threats from extreme weather and wildlife are depicted. A bear destroys property and food rations. Hunting and fishing are portrayed. Dead animals are shown. A character guts and cleans a deer (bloody hands are seen), skins the carcass and cut up the meat. The loss of loved ones is discussed.
Sexual Content: A couple kiss and caress. When undressing a woman suffering from hypothermia, the side of her naked breast and bare back are seen. Other nudity is shown when bathing—no private body parts are visible.
Profanity: Infrequent use of mild profanity and terms of deity.
Alcohol / Drug Use: Medical equipment and drugs are portrayed. Excessive drinking is mentioned.
Page last updated October 2, 2021
Land Parents' Guide
Have you ever wanted to live off the grid? How good are your survival skills? Do you think you could improve them by reading how-to books? How would fare with some of the challenges Edee faces?
When Edee refuses to share her story, a psychiatrist warns she will be, “alone with her pain.”
Why do you think she chooses that solitary path anyway? What challenges does she face trying to carry her grief all by herself? What events transpire to help her on her journey? Would you choose to grieve alone? Is connection with others a necessary part of the healing process?
When Edee asks Miguel why he is helping her, the hunter replies, “You were in my path.” What do you think he means? Why do you think he is so attentive to her needs? Is Edee appreciative? In what ways does Miguel honor Edee’s personal wishes? In what ways does he work around them?
Why do you think Miguel suggests that even if Edee can’t look at her past, she at least looks at her future? Is there wisdom in that advice that may be applicable for you?
Home Video
Related home video titles:
Robin Wright plays Buttercup in The Princess Bride. Other characters struggle to survive in Cast Awayand The Martian.