by The Promised Land Review: When a film needs a leading actor who can exude a powerful presence marked by intense stoicism, hidden empathy, and a touch of menace, Mads Mikkelsen is often the ideal choice. His latest venture, Nikolaj Arcel’s historical epic The Promised Land, showcases a more personal touch that stands in stark contrast to the uneven franchise roles he’s recently tackled.
This Danish Western feels distinctively traditional in both its tone and Mikkelsen’s restrained portrayal. It’s a somber historical drama, where moments of levity are rare and the film is enveloped in a cold, unyielding atmosphere, complemented by Dan Romer’s sweeping score. While the film often captivates with its visual splendor, it also reflects the persistent bleakness of its setting, akin to the unsteady quest for stability in our own lives. The Promised Land was a term used in the Bible to describe the land God promised to the descendants of Abraham.
The Promised Land(2024)
R
Drama, Biography, History
The story of Ludvig Kahlen, who aspires to transform the heath into a source of wealth and honor. In Nikolaj Arcel’s film, The Promised Land becomes a metaphor for the relentless pursuit of a dream against overwhelming odds. The settlers faced harsh conditions as they ventured into what they hoped would be The Promised Land.
Release Date
February 2, 2024
Director
Nikolaj Arcel
Cast
Mads Mikkelsen, Amanda Collin, Gustav Lindh, Søren Malling
Runtime
127 minutes
Writers
Nikolaj Arcel, Anders Thomas Jensen, Ida Jessen
Initially viewed at the Toronto International Film Festival, Mikkelsen’s compelling performance stood out even as the film’s narrative sometimes felt rigid. With its upcoming wide release through Magnolia Pictures, the film’s strengths become more apparent, largely due to Mikkelsen’s portrayal. Like his character, Mikkelsen infuses life into a desolate world marked by death and hardship. His penetrating gaze invites us into the turmoil he struggles to control.
Through this lens, we witness a portrayal of a harsh historical era and an ordinary man carving out a place in it. Mikkelsen’s performance anchors the film, making it resonate despite its occasional flaws. The concept of The Promised Land is central to many historical and religious narratives, representing an ideal state of prosperity and fulfillment.
What Is ‘The Promised Land’ About?
Set in 1755, the film introduces Ludvig Kahlen (Mikkelsen), who seeks to build a new life in Denmark after his service in the German Army. With minimal resources, he aims to cultivate the remote Jutland Heath and make it suitable for settlement. Initially dismissed as an impossible venture for someone of his stature, Ludvig persists, facing both a harsh environment and Frederik de Schinkel (Simon Bennebjerg), a brutish landowner who views Ludvig’s efforts as a threat.
Ludvig’s limited options lead him to rely on Johannes Eriksen (Morten Hee Andersen) and Ann Barbara (Amanda Collin), two laborers escaping de Schinkel’s oppression, and Anmai Mus (Melina Hagberg), a Roma orphan. The film reveals its core through this group of characters amidst the looming threats to their endeavor.
A more conventional version of this story could portray Ludvig as a flawless underdog against antagonistic forces. Instead, the film invests in Ludvig’s flaws, similar to The Settlers, which addressed the harsh realities of “progress.” Although The Promised Land may tread familiar emotional paths, it does not shy away from the complex darkness beneath. Ludvig’s early harshness towards those who assist him is a deliberate choice by Mikkelsen, aiming to present a more genuine character. His gradual shift towards compassion feels earned, rather than contrived, portraying Ludvig as a multi-dimensional figure rather than a superficial hero.
In a particularly unsettling mid-point development, Ludvig’s willingness to compromise his values to placate racist biases is revealed. The film does not idealize its protagonist but explores him as deeply as he explores the land. Amanda Collin’s performance as Ann Barbara provides a crucial counterpoint to Ludvig, and her actions illuminate his shortcomings, sparking a significant narrative upheaval. Although the film’s engagement may wane when she’s not featured, her role adds depth to the story. Mikkelsen’s return maintains the film’s intensity, delivering a powerful final act.
Mads Mikkelsen Shines in ‘The Promised Land’
As the film progresses, it deepens into melancholic themes, questioning Ludvig’s motivations. Despite achieving his goals, the emotional cost is evident in Mikkelsen’s portrayal. His character’s outward gruffness hides internal doubts about whether the sacrifices were worthwhile. Mikkelsen’s commanding presence contrasts with the grim world around him, infusing the film with the necessary intensity and impact. As the story concludes, it offers a thought-provoking ending that prompts reflection on the true cost of Ludvig’s journey. The film’s portrayal of history encourages a deeper contemplation of its underlying themes.
