Synopsis

In the late 19th century, Denmark regards Iceland as its territory, which extends beyond matters of geography and governance to the spiritual health of the population. So Lucas, a Lutheran priest, is sent by the Church of Denmark to establish a parish. Ever an optimist, Lucas believes his faith will guide him, even when he is warned of the obstacles, including a people who may be less than welcoming. Godland makes the most of a breathtakingly austere Icelandic landscape in its story of a man on a singular mission.

Critics Views

“An arrestingly beautiful and philosophically imposing bilingual historical drama about the arrogance of mankind in the face of nature’s unforgiving prowess, the inherent failures of colonial enterprises, and how these factors configure the cultural identities of individuals.” Indiewire

“This is a highly original work that goes beyond its theological aspects to explore more universal questions of mankind and our evanescent place in the world.” The Hollywood Reporter
“Godland gestures at several intersecting themes — belief, the struggle to hold onto faith, the impermanence of being — with greater suggestiveness than depth. It’s a sharp, dryly funny, at times cruel exploration of human arrogance and frailty.” The New York Times

“An arrestingly beautiful and philosophically imposing bilingual historical drama about the arrogance of mankind in the face of nature’s unforgiving prowess, the inherent failures of colonial enterprises, and how these factors configure the cultural identities of individuals.” Indiewire

“This is a highly original work that goes beyond its theological aspects to explore more universal questions of mankind and our evanescent place in the world.” The Hollywood Reporter
“Godland gestures at several intersecting themes — belief, the struggle to hold onto faith, the impermanence of being — with greater suggestiveness than depth. It’s a sharp, dryly funny, at times cruel exploration of human arrogance and frailty.” The New York Times

“I left the cinema dazed and elated by its artistry; it is breathtaking in its epic scale, magnificent in its comprehension of landscape, piercingly uncomfortable in its human intimacy and severity.”

Already one of the year’s best films. This arrestingly beautiful journey into the unknown is a voyage of visual splendour, as terrifying as it is breathtaking, and divine contemplation. Indiewire

London Film Festival 2022
Nominee – Best Film
Best Director – Honourable Mention (Hlynur Pálmason)

Film Rating

IMDb
 Critics: 81%  Audience 72%

Rotten Tomatoes
Critics positive review 91%   Audience Liked It 76%

 Stockbridge Audience Score: 58%

Audience Comments

A wonderful film. Thank you so much presenting it.
Not overly engaged in story line and too long…
Very interesting, we liked the dark characters and their unchristian nature.
It was rather wierd and didn’t seem to develop any sort of theme. and I think it showed the worst part of Iceland – I have been three times and there is much more variety of scenery than shown here. The film’s scenery was monotonous. The leading actor was too bland though there were excellent supporting actors.
I suspect it’ll be either a 5 or a 1, depending on the mood of the viewer, but it’s not easily forgotten
Too long Too slow. Beautiful scenery. Too depressing.
Thoroughly engrossing film throughout with wonderful cinematography highlighting the ‘beautiful and terrible’ Iceland landscape. The gradual unravelling of the Danish priest was masterfully done with excellent casting of the main characters.
Beautifully filmed in stunning locations. A gruelling plot line with unresolved questions regarding intentions and the dynamic between characters made it a tough watch at times and as so often is the case excessively long !! A half hour cut would have helped enormously.
A bit slow at times and 30 mins too long!
Unusual and interesting film. Very helpful to read the notes! Wonderful photography.
Wonderful scenery, not too keen on the plot
It was good though very long and maybe could benefit from some good editing!
Excellent scenery. Not sure about the plot.
It was beautiful but disturbing
Unnecessary long. Depressing; dull. Pointless extended photography which added nothing to the story.
Stunning photography, but a weirdly violent story. Programme notes helped.
Too long. Dubious plot. Ponderous in places
Beautiful setting and liked the way it was filmed. Rather curious storyline.
Too long and baggy though the first half was memorable. It was a brave try and I’d rather be offered this type of film than a predictably popular one.
It was too lengthy for us with a lot of long panning of the environment. We also found the narrative inexplicable.
A disappointing film on the whole. Filmically, perhaps it strikes a notable step for the director but it’s like coming in on a conversation halfway through and being expected to fully understand and relate to the backstory. It wasn’t ‘Poor’ absolutely but disappointing, too self-regarding, clumsy at times, stylish at others.
Very different perspective on life