Land

Robin Wright directs and stars in this outdoorsy tale about a woman who throws away her mobile phone to seek solace in the mountains - if, indeed, this city slicker can fend for herself in a remote cabin. Growing and hunting her own food while dodging grizzly bears provides a stern test for Edee, and she's saved just in time by a passing hunter (Demián Bichir), who soon teaches her survival skills. Teasing flashbacks hint at a family Edee left behind and, as the duo set about shooting and trapping for sustenance, while broader questions emerge over whether Edee really does want to continue living. With beautifully rugged Alberta locales standing in for Wyoming, this is indeed elemental fare, with two taciturn, marvellously understatement performances at the film's heart. There's telling economy, too, in Wright's direction (her first feature after episodic TV), as she opts for mainstream accessibility over arthouse austerity. The result holds few narrative surprises, yet offers a quietly moving, solidly satisfying take on the rewards and challenges of going it alone.