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Comedy drama

The Land of Steady Habits (2018): Cast, Ratings & Plot

The Land of Steady Habits (2018) movie poster

The Land of Steady Habits is a 2018 comedy drama directed by Nicole Holofcener, starring Ben Mendelsohn as Anders Harris, Edie Falco and Thomas Mann. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes. Critics gave it 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 71 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10.

IMDb rating
6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
83%
Echo Score
68
Metascore
71
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The Land of Steady Habits (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 38m (98 min)
Genres
Drama , Comedy
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Land of Steady Habits About?

The premise of The Land of Steady Habits without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Leaving behind a comfortable life in Connecticut, Anders Hill embarks on a journey of self-discovery, seeking a new lease on life. He soon finds that freedom presents unexpected challenges and confronts the bittersweet realities of his past. Navigating a changing landscape, Anders struggles to forge a more authentic identity while grappling with the complexities of his present circumstances.

The Land of Steady Habits Themes & Keywords

· 6 tags
  • divorce
  • christmas
  • dysfunctional family
  • drug abuse
  • turtle
  • based on novel
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Cast & crew

The Land of Steady Habits Cast & Characters

Ben Mendelsohn leads the cast as Anders Harris, with Edie Falco as Helene Harris and Thomas Mann as Preston Harris. Directed by Nicole Holofcener; 13 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Land of Steady Habits

· 9 more
From the director

More from Nicole Holofcener

More films directed by Nicole Holofcener, best-rated first: Lovely & Amazing, Enough Said, You Hurt My Feelings and Friends with Money.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Land of Steady Habits Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Land of Steady Habits 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 71 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 68/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).

68 /100

The Land of Steady Habits Echo Score Breakdown

While the film demonstrates consistent strength in character development, its visual and auditory presentation remains modest. The narrative’s pacing and originality elicit mixed responses, though its thematic exploration of suburban malaise resonates steadily. Performances are frequently lauded, lending emotional texture, whereas the direction occasionally lacks a distinct spark. The restrained soundtrack and subdued production design support the film’s introspective tone but rarely surprise, and its moderate replay value emerges through subtle emotional undercurrents.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 60

    In terms of art and craft, the film’s visual and editing style remains serviceable but unremarkable. Critics noted a missing spark and occasional lack of cinematic flair, while some viewers appreciated its understated, atmospheric framing of suburban interiors. The restrained production design and measured camera work sustain coherence without generating lasting visual impact.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, the performances anchor the film with naturalistic depth and consistent emotional tone. Critics applauded Ben Mendelsohn’s nuanced portrayal and the believable interactions among ensemble members, while a few viewers found the characters too unsympathetic or broadly sketched. Overall, the character work endures as the film’s most engaging element.

  • Story & Flow 65

    When it comes to story and flow, the narrative unfolds with thoughtful insight into suburban malaise but occasionally drifts into implausible or predictable territory. Critics appreciated its thematic motif seeping gradually, yet some reviewers cited uneven pacing, meandering scenes, and clichéd dialogue. Ultimately, the story offers engaging moments but lacks consistently compelling forward momentum.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    In terms of sensory experience, the film presents a muted auditory and visual palette that reinforces its introspective mood. While a few viewers valued the atmospheric soundscapes and understated score, the majority of critics noted a deficiency of memorable musical cues or striking cinematography. The modest sensory elements support the tone without commanding attention.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    In terms of rewatch factor, the film’s subtle emotional layers suggest potential rewards on repeat viewings, yet its understated execution may limit broader replay appeal. Some critics and viewers observed that further viewings reveal additional thematic nuances, while others found the overall experience too subdued to inspire repeated engagement. The rewatch value remains moderate and selective.

Plot

The Land of Steady Habits Plot Summary

What happens in The Land of Steady Habits from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Anders Hill is navigating a challenging phase of life after his recent divorce from Helene Harris. Having retired early from his finance career, he struggles to adjust to his new reality. His adult son, Preston Harris, who battles substance abuse issues, resides at the family home with Helene. Although he graduated from Northwestern University and is now working as a reading specialist with his mother, their relationship is strained.

Full summary

The whole story of The Land of Steady Habits, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

The Land of Steady Habits Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Land of Steady Habits.

The Land of Steady Habits | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Land of Steady Habits?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What career does Anders Hill leave behind after his divorce?

Cars

Cars in The Land of Steady Habits

31 cars on screen, including the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C 300 W205 and the 2017 Cadillac XT5.

All 31 cars
  • 2015 Mercedes-Benz C 300 W205 in The Land of Steady Habits 2015 Mercedes-Benz C 300 W205 Main role
  • 2017 Cadillac XT5 in The Land of Steady Habits 2017 Cadillac XT5 Important role
  • 2008 Chrysler 300 in The Land of Steady Habits 2008 Chrysler 300 Important role
  • 1999 Jeep Cherokee in The Land of Steady Habits 1999 Jeep Cherokee Important role
Details

The Land of Steady Habits Also Known As

15 alternative titles, including “Au Pays des habitudes” and “Земля устойчивых привычек”.

Also known as
  • Au Pays des habitudes
  • Земля устойчивых привычек
  • Земята на установените привички
  • La seconda vita di Anders Hill
  • Grzeczny grzesznik
  • Land der Gewohnheit
  • La tierra de las buenas costumbres
  • Gente de Bem
  • Η Πολιτεία των Σταθερών Συνηθειών
  • ארץ ההרגלים היציבים
  • 변함없는 자들의 마을
  • La tierra de hábitos constantes
+3 more
  • 習慣之地
  • 痼习之地
  • Sabit Alışkanlıklar Diyarı

Seen The Land of Steady Habits?

FAQ

The Land of Steady Habits FAQ: Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Land of Steady Habits, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Land of Steady Habits?

The Land of Steady Habits runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).

When was The Land of Steady Habits released?

The Land of Steady Habits was released on September 14, 2018.

Who directed The Land of Steady Habits?

The Land of Steady Habits was directed by Nicole Holofcener.

More films by Nicole Holofcener

Who is in the cast of The Land of Steady Habits?

The Land of Steady Habits stars Ben Mendelsohn as Anders Harris, Edie Falco as Helene Harris and Thomas Mann as Preston Harris, among 13 credited actors.

How is The Land of Steady Habits rated?

The Land of Steady Habits has 6.2/10 on IMDb, 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 71 on Metacritic and 55% on TMDB.

Does The Land of Steady Habits have a post-credit scene?

No. The Land of Steady Habits has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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