IN THE LAND OF SAINTS AND SINNERS (2023)

SYNOPSIS: In a remote Irish village, a damaged Finbar is forced to fight for redemption after a lifetime of sins, but what price is he willing to pay? In the land of saints and sinners, some sins can't be buried. 

MOVIE REVIEW:

Set in the 1970s during the violent IRA conflicts, In the Land of Saints and Sinners marks the reunion of American director Robert Lorenz and Liam Neeson after The Marksman. It’s a Neeson action vehicle all right but a much better one.

Neeson plays Finbar Murphy, a contract killer disguising as a book seller that lives in a small Irish town where everybody knows everybody. His small circle of friends consist of the local constable, Vincent (Ciarán Hinds), his lady neighbour, Rita (Niamh Cusack) and his handler, Robert (Colm Meaney).

Things seem to be fine until a group of IRA terrorists came hiding in the small town after carrying out a car explosion days before. Taking matters to his own hands, Finbar decides to rid the goons once and for all with the help of another young hitman, Kevin (Jack Gleeson).

Even though Lorenz is an American, In the Land of Saints and Sinners is set and filmed entirely with an Irish cast and in the lush, beautiful County Donegal. For his part, Lorenz infuses the action thriller with genuine Western elements liked barren rugged landscapes and the occasional shootouts and heroism.

Strictly speaking, the movie is not about the political conflicts and the motives of the IRA. It’s more about the fierce loyalty and beliefs of Finbar and the main antagonist, Doireann McCann (Kerry Condon) that ignites the riveting collision of these two individuals. The former is a lonely suffering hitman who craves for redemption while the latter truly believes in her actions and fighting for what is right for her country.

Intentional or not, there’s a dark sense of comedy littered throughout. Before Finbar shoots his victims, they have to dug their own grave and his favourite tactic seems to be throwing his victim into the boot of his car. Neeson might be doing his same shtick for years but his performance as the suffering Finbar Murphy is far more enjoyable and relatable than his average outings as an aged action hero.

Balancing a good amount of drama and action sets, In the Land of Saints and Sinners is an indie action movie that is surprisingly immersive and well-executed. The excellent cast performances is a bonus as well.

MOVIE RATING:

Review by Linus Tee