Abundant Acreage Available

Abundant Acreage Available, an intimate family drama meticulously crafted by writer/director Angus MacLachlan, debuted in 2017 to wide acclaim. The movie stars Steve Coulter, Max Gail, and Francis Guinan, who superbly bring the plot's profound themes and complex characters to life. MacLachlan, known for his narrative acuity, engages the audience with a thought-provoking storyline that combines elements of grief, family dynamics, and faith.

Set against the backdrop of a tumbling North Carolina landscape, the film opens with a somber scene of a funeral as brother and sister Jesse (Terry Kinney) and Tracy (Amy Ryan) lay to rest their recently-deceased father. Soon after, the audience finds out that their father's death leaves them as the sole custodians of their childhood, a 50-acre tobacco farm. Long having resided there, the duo grapples with their new reality - deciding how best to keep the land active and purposeful while immersing in recollections of the past. This familial setting becomes a critical part of the story, indistinguishable from the ebbs and flows of their daily lives.

The quiet tranquility of their lives is disrupted when three older brothers, led by Hans (Steve Coulter), show up suddenly on the siblings' property. The men, former tenants acquainted with their father, claim that the land was promised to them. An element of tension arises as these unwelcome visitors disrupt the siblings' mourning period and challenge their claim on the farm.

The film draws attention to the differences between the approaches of the siblings. Tracy, determined and astute, thinks pragmatically about the future of their land and its financial implications. She is skeptical of the older men's intentions and feels pressured to decide the farm's fate quickly. Jesse, a recovering alcoholic and deeply religious, believes in their father's spirit guiding them and humbly invites the older occupants for dinner, igniting a tension-filled interaction.

Abundant Acreage Available delicately explores these contrasting personalities, interrogating their perceptions of faith, loss, and legacy. The peculiar relationship between both groups creates an overarching sense of intrigue, making the audience contemplate the complexities of human nature.

Max Gail, as Tom, injects an undeniable energy into the storyline as the oldest and seemingly wise interloper, while Francis Guinan plays the yielding and also, biblically named brother, Jesse. The performances of the cast are riveting, with award-winning actress Amy Ryan, delivering an exceptionally heartfelt and believable performance as Tracy. Her portrayal of a strong yet vulnerable woman grappling with the dual burdens of mourning and discerning the future of her inheritance is mesmerizing.

The movie is marked by director MacLachlan's insistence on a slower, contemplative pace, which gives the audience ample time to immerse themselves in the plot's subtleties and contemplate the film's themes. It amplifies the emotional weight of the story as the tension builds, and the characters' insecurities and compulsions collide.

The director's love for stark, lush landscape shots underscores the American South's rural essence, contributing to the film's intense atmospheric feel. The result is an emotionally charged cinematic landscape where the struggle over property symbolizes a much deeper struggle for belonging, identity, and acceptance.

The cinematography, handled by Andrew Reed, provides a contemplative, metaphorical lens on the story, while the film's editing, sound design, and original score seamlessly integrate, enhancing the narrative's emotional depth.

All of these elements contribute to make Abundant Acreage Available a compelling film. It's a deeply introspective exploration of human ties, mourning, faith, and the intricate dynamics that dictate familial relationships. It pushes the boundaries of storytelling with its emotionally-laden narrative and nuanced performances, all culminating in a thoughtful and moving cinematic experience. A must-watch for those who appreciate well-crafted family dramas.