Freeland

Freeland, an esoteric indie drama released in 2020, provides audiences with an intimate perspective into the twilight years of an underground marijuana farmer named, Devi. The film is directed in an exquisite style by Mario Furloni and Kate McLean while it boasts an enthralling lead performance by Lily Gladstone. Gladstone plays the role of Devi, portraying her as a stoic, resilient, and fiercely independent woman who aspires to preserve her solitary and self-reliant lifestyle. Cameron James Matthews and Frank Mosley, playing in supporting roles, add depth and realism to the narrative.

Freeland unfolds in the remote wilderness in the heart of Northern California. The beautiful but isolated setting is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the narrative; it mirrors Devi's solitary existence. The mesmerizing natural imagery created by cinematographer, Sebastián Cantillo, isn't just eye-catching, it's symbolic of Devi's relationship with nature, creating an even deeper connection between the audience and the character.

The story is set at the precipice of drastic changes within the marijuana industry, which threatens Devi’s way of life. With increasing legalization and the onslaught of corporate interests, the simplicity and confidentiality of the old ways are rapidly fading. As a former hippie and unsanctioned marijuana farmer, Devi is forced to witness the aggressive encroachment of a new world that threatens to dismantle the world she had painstakingly constructed and cherished. These sweeping changes are alarming, invasive, and unyieldingly fast, creating a sense of impending doom over Devi's serene and solitary life in the wilderness.

The film is not just about the marijuana industry or legalization, but rather it navigates the broader themes of solitary existence, human connection, and the relentless march of time that ushers in change, wanted or not. Freeland masterfully captures the microcosm of Devi’s life against the backdrop of radical societal transformation, using it as a lens to explore the intersection of aging, loneliness, and the universal fear of becoming outdated or irrelevant.

Gladstone delivers a powerful performance as Devi. Compelling in her portrayal of solitary resilience dwindling in the face of unavoidable change, she provides viewers with an earnest, raw, and captivating character study. The supporting cast of characters, featuring Cameron James Matthews and Frank Mosley, further enriches the narrative. They present characters who also suffer from the disruptions caused by the changing environment, suffusing a sense of shared disorientation and dread.

Directors Furloni and McLean's storytelling method is remarkably subdued and nuanced. They avoid melodramatic theatrics and instead let the tale unfold at its own pace, much like Devi’s laid-back approach to life. They juxtapose the tranquil environment with the tension-filled narrative, creating an intriguing dichotomy that grabs the viewers’ attention and holds it steady throughout the film. The directors largely rely on visual storytelling, focusing on silent portraits of nature and intriguing character moments to drive the narrative.

The music in the movie, created by William Ryan Fritch, encapsulates the overall mood of the film. It is haunting and melancholic, reflecting Devi’s sense of impending loss. It is brilliantly interspersed with natural sounds, such as the wind rustling through the trees or the hush-hush of rain, thus amplifying Devi’s deeply rooted connection with nature.

Freeland, with its contemplative and poignant narrative, throws a spotlight on issues sidelined in mainstream media. The movie engages the audience not merely as an observation of an eroding subculture but serves as a timely exploration of the human condition at large, our relationship with change, the passage of time, and the struggle to preserve one’s way of life amid rapid societal transformations.

In the end, Freeland is more than a film about a marijuana farmer; it's a compassionate, intimate, and deeply touching exploration of survival, change, and the relentless march of time. This slow-burning drama will leave audiences with many lingering thoughts and questions.