What Is Land About?
The premise of Land in 321 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the stark, wind‑swept wilderness of the Rocky Mountains, a quiet cabin stands far from the hum of modern life. The film opens on a landscape that feels both endless and intimate, where snow‑capped peaks and pine‑filled valleys become a living backdrop for a story about retreat and renewal. The atmosphere is hushed yet vibrant, inviting viewers to breathe with the rustle of leaves and the crackle of a solitary fire.
Edee Holzer, still raw from a profound loss, chooses this remote corner of Wyoming as a place to step away from the noise of her former world. She deliberately cuts herself off from phones, roads, and the conveniences that once anchored her life, seeking instead a raw, hands‑on relationship with the land. Her early days are marked by the quiet struggle of learning to provide for herself—chopping wood, coaxing a fire, and listening to the subtle cues of nature. Beneath her stoic exterior lies a lingering ache, hinted at but never fully explained, that fuels both her determination and her isolation.
The arrival of a seasoned hunter, Miguel, introduces a subtle shift in the rhythm of her solitary existence. He moves through the terrain with practiced ease, his presence a quiet counterpoint to Edee’s self‑imposed exile. Their initial interactions are tentative, each measuring the other’s boundaries, yet an unspoken curiosity begins to bridge the gap between solitude and companionship. Through shared tasks and the simple act of watching each other survive, a tentative bond forms, offering both characters a glimpse of something beyond their personal grief.
As the seasons turn, the wilderness itself becomes a character—steady, indifferent, and yet oddly nurturing. The film balances the raw beauty of the environment with the fragile inner landscapes of its protagonists, hinting at the possibility that healing may be found not in returning to the world they left, but in the quiet moments of connection that emerge when two solitary souls cross paths.
What Happens in Land?
The complete story of Land, from the first scene to the last, in 541 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
After experiencing a profound trauma, Edee Holzer finds herself in therapy, sharing her deep-seated discomfort with social interactions. Seeking refuge, she relocates to the serene landscapes of Wyoming, where she buys a quaint, isolated cabin, determined to embrace a life of solitude. Edee intentionally disconnects from modern conveniences, eschewing telephones and vehicles to fully immerse herself in this secluded existence.
At first, she faces tremendous challenges, struggling to meet her basic needs such as chopping firewood and fishing for sustenance. Her difficulties escalate tragically when a black bear invades her cabin, devouring her food supplies and wreaking havoc while she cowers in her outhouse. This incident pushes her to the brink, and in a moment of desperation, she contemplates ending her life by using a hunting rifle. However, the memory of her sister Emma pleading with her not to harm herself breaks through her despair.
Amidst a raging snowstorm, the relentless wind causes the metal roof of her cabin to rattle ominously. Venturing outside to make repairs, she sustains injuries and is rescued by a local hunter named Miguel, alongside his nurse friend Alawa. The two help her mend her wounds, and Miguel stays behind to assist her, bringing her meals, replenishing her firewood, and ensuring her cabin is adequately stocked.
Grateful for Miguel’s selflessness, Edee expresses her desire to remain isolated, but he offers to teach her valuable survival skills, ensuring she can thrive in her solitude. He introduces her to winter trapping and fall hunting techniques, enabling her to provide for herself. As the seasons change, a strong friendship blossoms between Edee and Miguel; they hunt together, harvest crops, and explore the beauty of her land.
Miguel confides in Edee about the tragedy that claimed his wife and daughter in a car accident eight years prior. In turn, Edee shares only that she once had a family, leading Miguel to hint that she should ponder not just her past, but her future as well. She becomes suspicious of his knowledge about her history, although he reassures her he has no means of digging into her past.
When Miguel asks Edee to look after his dog while he takes a break, she seizes the opportunity to reflect. During his absence, she stumbles upon a collection of old photographs that reveal the existence of her husband Adam and son Drew, leading her to realize that the vision of a father and son she once encountered was merely a figment of her memories.
After several months without contact, Edee decides to pack up and leave her secluded haven, setting off on foot to seek out Miguel in town. Ultimately, she discovers Alawa working at a local hospital, who then takes her to see Miguel, now bedridden with terminal throat cancer. In an emotional exchange, Miguel admits he was responsible for the tragic accident that took his family’s lives due to his intoxication. Edee, in turn, discloses that her husband and son were killed in a senseless shooting during a concert.
Filled with gratitude for the healing and new perspective Miguel brought into her life, she leaves with his phone, a gesture of their bond, and timidly reaches out to her sister Emma, marking the first time since her journey began in Wyoming.
Land Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Edee's Trauma” to “Reaching Out”. 8 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Edee's Trauma
Edee Holzer experiences a profound trauma that deeply affects her ability to engage in social interactions. In search of healing, she decides to seek therapy to confront her discomfort and emotional turmoil.
- 2
Moving to Wyoming
To escape her past and embrace solitude, Edee relocates to the tranquil landscapes of Wyoming. She purchases a quaint, isolated cabin, fully intending to disconnect from everything and find peace in her own company.
Where:Wyoming
- 3
Embracing Isolation
Edee intentionally removes herself from modern conveniences, avoiding telephones and vehicles. This decision allows her to immerse completely into her life of solitude but also poses significant challenges.
Where:Edee's cabin
- 4
Struggles for Survival
In her new life, Edee faces tremendous struggles with basic tasks such as chopping firewood and fishing for food. The challenges are daunting, making her realize the harsh realities of living alone in the wilderness.
Where:Edee's cabin
- 5
Bear Encounter
A black bear invades Edee's cabin, consuming her food supplies and creating chaos. Terrified, she hides in the outhouse during the incident, which pushes her towards a dark moment of contemplation about ending her life.
Where:Edee's cabin
- 6
Moment of Despair
As Edee considers taking her own life with a hunting rifle, she recalls her sister Emma's plea for her not to give up. This memory breaks through her despair, preventing her from acting on her worst thoughts.
- 7
Rescue During the Storm
Amidst a fierce snowstorm, Edee goes outside to repair her cabin's metal roof but suffers injuries in the process. Fortunately, a local hunter named Miguel, along with his nurse friend Alawa, arrives to rescue her and tend to her wounds.
Where:Edee's cabin
- 8
Learning Survival Skills
Grateful for Miguel's help, Edee initially wishes to remain alone but eventually agrees to learn vital survival skills from him. Miguel teaches her winter trapping and hunting techniques, empowering her to sustain herself in isolation.
Where:Edee's cabin
- 9
Building a Friendship
As the seasons change, a strong friendship develops between Edee and Miguel. They share moments hunting, harvesting, and exploring the beauty of the natural world together, fostering a genuine bond amid their shared grief.
- 10
Sharing Past Tragedies
Miguel shares the heartbreaking story of losing his wife and daughter in a car accident eight years earlier. In response, Edee reveals that she once had a family as well, but she only hints at her past, keeping much to herself.
Show the other 5 events of Land Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Self-Reflection
With Miguel away for a break, Edee reflects on her life and emotions. During this time, she finds old photographs that reveal her husband and son, helping her understand that the visions of them she'd encountered were mere memories.
- 12
Deciding to Leave
After months of solitude and reflection, Edee decides to leave her isolated cabin to seek out Miguel in the town. This marks a significant moment in her journey of healing and reconnection.
Where:Town
- 13
Finding Miguel
Edee discovers Alawa working at a local hospital, who helps her find Miguel. She learns that he is now bedridden with terminal throat cancer, adding an emotional weight to her quest for closure and understanding.
Where:Local hospital
- 14
Emotional Farewell
In a poignant moment, Miguel reveals that he was responsible for the car accident that killed his family. Edee reciprocates with the heart-wrenching story of her husband and son’s tragic deaths during a concert shooting.
- 15
Reaching Out
Filled with new insight and gratitude for Miguel’s friendship and support, Edee leaves him with his phone. This gesture symbolizes their bond, and she finally finds the courage to reach out to her sister Emma.
Who Are the Main Characters in Land?
5 characters, among them Edee Holzer (Robin Wright), Miguel (Demián Bichir) and Emma (Kim Dickens): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Edee Holzer (Robin Wright)
Played by Robin Wright
Edee is a deeply introspective character grappling with profound emotional pain. Her decision to isolate in nature signifies her desire to escape her trauma, yet she faces formidable challenges that test her resilience. Throughout the story, Edee evolves from despair to empowerment, highlighting her journey towards self-acceptance and healing.
- 🧗♀️ Survival
- 🌿 Transformation
- 🥺 Grief
-
Miguel (Demián Bichir)
Played by Demián Bichir
Miguel is a compassionate and wise character who helps Edee navigate her new life in the wilderness. His own tragic past adds depth to his character, as he shares his grief while assisting Edee in her journey of self-discovery. Miguel's skills and knowledge serve as a bridge for Edee to connect with her own strength.
- 🤲 Support
- 🙏 Redemption
- 🦮Suffering
-
Emma (Kim Dickens)
Played by Kim Dickens
Emma serves as a poignant reminder of Edee's past and the familial bonds that once anchored her. Her presence in Edee's memories emphasizes the internal struggle to reconnect with family after trauma. Emma's plea for Edee to choose life over despair illustrates the theme of familial love transcending distance.
- 🌌 Family
- 💌 Love
- 😢 Hope
- A(
Adam (Warren Christie)
Played by Warren Christie
Adam represents Edee's lost family, symbolizing the life she once had. His role in Edee's memories highlights the significance of her past and the challenges of moving forward after loss. Through reflection on Adam, Edee begins to confront the realities of her grief.
- 🌅 Memory
- 😔 Loss
- D(
Drew (Finlay Wojtak-Hissong)
Played by Finlay Wojtak-Hissong
Drew embodies Edee's cherished memories of her son, serving as a catalyst for her emotional healing throughout the film. His existence shapes Edee’s journey, reminding her of both the joy and pain associated with motherhood. The process of remembering him is pivotal in her quest for self-redemption.
- 👶 Childhood
- 💔 Grief
Where and When Is Land Set?
Land is set in Wyoming. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The story takes place in contemporary times, reflecting modern challenges and emotional healing. This period is marked by themes of isolation and the quest for self-discovery amidst personal tragedy.
Where
Wyoming
Wyoming is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and plains. The state offers vast wilderness, providing a perfect retreat for those seeking solitude and reflection. Edee's cabin, surrounded by serene beauty, is a true escape from the chaos of modern life.
- 🏞️ Landscape
- 🌲 Wilderness
What Are the Themes of Land?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Isolation, Loss and Healing.
-
01
Isolation
Isolation is a central theme as Edee withdraws from society to confront her trauma. Her solitude in the Wyoming wilderness serves as a backdrop for her emotional journey, forcing her to face her past and rethink her future. The severe weather conditions symbolize her inner turmoil and the struggle for survival.
-
02
Loss
Loss permeates the narrative, as both Edee and Miguel deal with the death of loved ones. Their shared experiences of grief foster a bond that helps them navigate their pain. The theme emphasizes healing through connection and the impact of tragic events on one's life.
-
03
Healing
The path to healing is depicted through Edee's journey from despair to self-sufficiency. Miguel's guidance helps Edee learn vital survival skills and allows her to grow emotionally. Their relationship becomes a catalyst for Edee to confront her past and embrace the possibility of a future.
What Kind of Film Is Land?
Hopeful in tone, with slow pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Slow
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A slow-paced and melancholic survival drama that immerses the viewer in profound grief and isolation, but gradually builds a hopeful, cathartic tone through a quiet friendship and the healing power of nature.
- melancholic
- solitary
- contemplative
- hopeful
- cathartic
- isolated
- grief and loss
- solitude
- survival
- healing journey
Content notes: death of family, suicide ideation, terminal illness.
Quiz
How well do you remember Land? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Land
Stream it on Peacock, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 2
Peacock Premium 
Peacock Premium Plus 
Streaming availability in the US, powered by 
