Godland (2022)

Godland is a captivating drama that takes its time to delve into the depths of faith, identity and the complexities of being human. It transports us to the 19th century, where we follow Lucas (played by Elliott Crosset Hove), a Danish priest who embarks on a journey to a remote part of Iceland. His mission? To construct a church and capture the essence of its people through his photography. However, as he immerses himself in this community, he faces challenges connecting with the locals and even begins questioning his own beliefs.

The director, Hlynur Pálmason, skillfully captures the rugged yet mesmerising beauty of the landscape, using it as a canvas to explore the conflicts of our characters. The cinematography is simply breathtaking and perfectly complements the film’s atmosphere, enhanced by haunting music.

The performances in this film are outstanding. Elliott Crosset Hove demonstrates his talent with a nuanced portrayal of a withdrawn priest. The supporting cast also shines bright, bringing depth and complexity to their roles.

Some viewers may find the pacing too slow and deliberate. For those willing to invest in this story’s exploration of identity, faith and human connection struggles, the reward is truly worth it. These universal themes resonate long after you’ve watched Godland unfold on screen.

Although the pacing and some underdeveloped characters slightly detract from the movie, it truly captivates as a haunting and thought-provoking piece of art. Godland is the kind of film that lingers in your mind long after you leave the cinema.

(In cinemas in Australia – check your local movie guide for show times.)