Review of Promised Land (2012) by Mark M — 03 Jul 2013

PROMISED LAND. Film. I enjoyed this drama for the acting and writing, but when I think about the spectrum of dramas involving corporate abuse and general capitalist scumbag behaviour, this film is just slightly better than mediocre.

The film is about a top-notch closer and his partner (Matt Damon and Frances McDormand) going to a logistically key town in the Midwest in order to secure drilling rights under as much as possible. The duo have done this before, and they arrive in the town full of confidence; however, they learn appearances and reality are two different things.

There are some very good performances in this film, and the writing is very good as well. But the plot doesn't build up any tension of note. For tension, suspense, and drama you need to compel the audience to like/admire/love someone or something then you put it in danger, at risk of destruction.

I guess the director wanted us to maybe like Damon's character, but he isn't very likeable or maybe we are supposed to like the town but the director fails at making the town precious and he fails to illustrate the real risks to it.

In other words, it was okay but a bit dull. 6/10.