Goodland

Goodland, directed by Josh Doke and released in 2017, is a riveting independent crime drama. The storyline stretches far beyond traditional genres by combining elements of mystery, suspense, and social commentary on contemporary issues. While the film unfolds in a quietly unhurried, meticulous manner, it constantly succeeds in keeping the viewers glued to the screen. Starring Kip Niven, Laura Jacobs, and Chris Bylsma, Goodland is a distinct cinematic experience that deftly merges a small-town atmosphere with sinister undertones of grisly secrets and interwoven lives.

Set in the rural, tight-knit community of Goodland, Kansas, the film is primarily centered around the enigmatic arrival of a stranger, played by the exceptional Matt Weiss. His character, named Elías, comes off as a photographer initially but his true intentions remain a mystery, creating an atmosphere of tension and suspicion right from the beginning. The idea that the stranger might be more than meets the eye is provoked by the discovery of a dead body on the outskirts of town, around the same time of his arrival.

The local sheriff played by Kip Niven is an aging law enforcement officer on the verge of retirement, who sees this case as a last hurrah. He begins digging into the mysterious circumstances of the stranger's arrival and the subsequent events stirring the otherwise peaceful town. Meanwhile, the life of the town's local grocery clerk, portrayed by Cinnamon Schultz, is also disrupted by this strange newcomer's presence. Intertwining these characters, the film successfully creates a multi-layered narrative that is gripping and intriguing.

Despite all the tension and suspense that drives the plot, beneath its crime film exterior, Goodland is at its core, a study of small-town life. The film is an unflinching portrayal of rural America, focusing not just on crime but also on the everyday turmoil and struggles of ordinary, hard-working people. It showcases the sense of loneliness that can pervade such small-town settings and explores how secrets can fester in such close-knit surroundings.

The cinematography encapsulates the lonely yet haunting beauty of rural Kansas landscapes, which almost become a character in the movie itself. The movie achieves a compelling aesthetic that reinforces the desolation of a small town along with its characters and storyline. The isolation is palpified by the windswept fields of grain, long and solitary roads, and the overall sense of starkness and bleakness which is mirrored in some of the characters' lives.

The film’s performances are solid and the characterization is incredibly realistic. Kip Niven, as the town sheriff, delivers a compelling performance while Chris Bylsma as Tommy, the town drunk, delivers an impactful performance in his supporting role. Moreover, Laura Jacobs as the hard-nosed reporter trying to get the scoop story paints an impressive picture of determination and perseverance in a stifling environment.

The movie also impresses with the quality of its screenplay. While largely maintaining a steady, measured pace, it is rife with moments that are startling in their intensity. The director, Josh Doke, has done an exceptional job of creating an atmospheric tone throughout the movie. He layers his tale with small moments that reveal a lot about the characters and their circumstances. Those acquainted with the slow-burn drama will find the narrative deeply satisfying. The revelation of hidden pasts, human vulnerabilities, and struggles of acceptance make this not just a suspense filled crime-drama but also a poignant, tremulous narrative about life in small-town America.

With a suspenseful premise and breathtaking visuals, 'Goodland' presents an unforgettable journey that gets under your skin and stays there. It excellently combines the disquieting, atmospheric suspense of a crime thriller with the perceptive, empathetic study of small-town dynamics. It beautifully tells the story of a web of tightly interwoven lives, as they are forced to confront the fact that their sleepy, peaceful town isn't immune to the conflicts or the threats of the outside world. Both character-driven and story-centered, 'Goodland' stands as a testament to the power of independent cinema, proving both engaging and thought-provoking till the very last scene.