Oscar-nominated actor Demián Bichir (A Better Life) has started what is sure to be a busy first quarter in 2021 with the drama Land, which made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday (Jan. 31). Along with Land, Bichir will soon be seen in the sci-fi adventure Chaos Walking and the monster sequel Godzilla vs. Kong, both scheduled to hit theaters and streaming services in March.
In Land, Bichir plays Miguel Borras, a hunter in Wyoming who comes across a woman on the verge of death. When tragedy strikes, Edee (Robin Wright) leaves her former life behind and purchases a remote cabin and property in the Rocky Mountains. Unfamiliar with living off the grid, she soon becomes overwhelmed by the elements.
When Miguel finds her, he helps her regain her strength and the two come to an agreement. Edee will let him teach her how to trap and hunt but only if he promises not to bring her any news of the outside world.
Bichir’s subtle performance as a kindhearted outdoorsman, who makes Edee smile by occasionally singing songs like “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” is a welcomed break from the silence that shrouds most of the picture. During one scene, Edee compares the wise Miguel to Yoda and is surprised to learn he has never seen a Star Wars movie.
Although Edee initially wants to be alone with her pain, she seems to be at ease when speaking to Miguel who is quietly experiencing the same grief as her. In each other, they discover their emotional equal. In each other, they find a reason to live for the next day.