New Movies: In the Land of Saints (2023) by Robert Lorenz: A Gritty Tale of Legacy, Revenge, and Loyalty

In the Land of Saints (2023): Shadows of the Past, Debts of the Present

In the Land of Saints (2023) by Robert Lorenz is a taut crime thriller set in a remote Irish village, where a seasoned hitman, Finbar Murphy (Liam Neeson), seeks to retire peacefully. His past, however, catches up when a brutal act by his ruthless crew forces him into a deadly confrontation with a new generation of criminals. The film delves into themes of legacy, moral reckoning, family loyalty, and the inescapable nature of violence, as Finbar is drawn into a last, desperate fight to protect an innocent local and confront the consequences of his bloody life.

Summary Short

In the Land of Saints (2023) is a gritty crime thriller directed by Robert Lorenz, starring Liam Neeson as Finbar Murphy, a retired hitman in a remote Irish village. When a violent incident involving his crew shatters his peace, Finbar is dragged back into a world he tried to escape. The film explores themes of legacy, justice, and loyalty as he confronts dangerous criminals to protect an innocent local, culminating in a violent struggle for redemption amidst the rugged Irish landscape.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15782690/

Link Review: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/apr/25/in-the-land-of-saints-and-sinners-review-liam-neeson-kerry-condon

About movie: http://www.bleibergent.com/library/saints-and-sinners/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/in-the-land-of-saints-and-sinners (US), https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/in-the-land-of-saints-and-sinners (Australia), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/in-the-land-of-saints-and-sinners (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/in-the-land-of-saints-and-sinners (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/in-the-land-of-saints-and-sinners (France), https://www.justwatch.com/it/film/in-the-land-of-saints-and-sinners (Italy), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/in-the-land-of-saints-and-sinners (Spain), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/in-the-land-of-saints-and-sinners (Germany)

Detailed Summary

• Premise of Retirement Gone Awry: The film In the Land of Saints and Sinners (often shortened) centers on Finbar Murphy (Liam Neeson), a world-weary hitman seeking to leave his violent past behind. He has chosen a seemingly peaceful retirement in a remote coastal village in Ireland.

• The Past Catches Up: His attempt at a quiet life is shattered when a ruthless group of young, desperate terrorists arrives in the village after committing a brutal kidnapping and murder. This act directly threatens the tranquility Finbar has sought.

• Moral Reckoning and Retaliation: Finbar's former "crew," particularly a hot-headed young associate, commits a violent act against an innocent local as a retaliation, inadvertently drawing the attention of the terrorists' leader, who is seeking revenge. This forces Finbar to confront the destructive nature of the life he tried to abandon.

• Protection of the Innocent: Driven by a sense of duty, a desire for true peace, or perhaps a final act of redemption, Finbar feels compelled to protect an innocent young woman who becomes entangled in the unfolding violence.

• Themes of Legacy and Loyalty: The narrative delves into themes of legacy – what Finbar will leave behind – and loyalty, both to his chosen community and to the dark code of his past. It explores whether a man can truly escape his history.

• Taut Cat-and-Mouse Game: The plot develops into a tense cat-and-mouse game between Finbar and the dangerous new generation of criminals, testing his skills and resolve in a final, brutal showdown.

• Atmospheric Irish Setting: The film utilizes its beautiful yet rugged Irish coastal setting not just as a backdrop, but as a key element that enhances the mood and isolation of the characters, contributing to the overall sense of a ticking clock and inevitable conflict.

Plot summary

• Finbar's Retreat: Finbar Murphy, a professional assassin, attempts to retire to the quiet, isolated village of Glenswilly on the west coast of Ireland.

• Arrival of Terrorists: A cell of Irish Republican Army (IRA) dissidents, led by the ruthless Doireann (Kerry Condon), arrives in the village after a botched operation and seeks refuge.

• Innocent Caught in Crossfire: A young local woman, whom Finbar has a paternal affection for, becomes inadvertently caught in the conflict when members of Finbar's former crew retaliate against the terrorists for a previous violent act.

• Hunt for Revenge: Doireann and her crew begin a brutal hunt for those responsible for attacking her people, putting the entire village and particularly those close to Finbar in grave danger.

• Finbar Returns to Action: Forced out of retirement, Finbar must use his lethal skills and knowledge of the underworld to protect his community and the innocent woman from Doireann's escalating violence.

• Moral Crossroads: He navigates a moral landscape where his past actions collide with his desire for peace, leading to a confrontation that will determine his final legacy.

• Climactic Showdown: The plot builds to an explosive and violent showdown between Finbar and Doireann's faction, forcing him to engage in a final, desperate battle for survival and justice.

Director's Vision

• Neo-Western in Ireland: Robert Lorenz, a frequent collaborator with Clint Eastwood, aimed to bring a neo-Western sensibility to an Irish setting. He sought to create a story about a seasoned killer seeking peace, reminiscent of classic Western archetypes, but transplanted into a European context.

• Moral Reckoning: Lorenz intended to explore themes of moral reckoning and the consequences of a violent life. He wanted to show a character confronted by his past, struggling with whether true redemption or escape is possible.

• Atmospheric Storytelling: The director emphasized the rugged beauty of the Irish landscape as a vital component of the film's atmosphere, using it to underscore the isolation and the grim nature of the unfolding events.

• Character-Driven Action: While featuring intense action, Lorenz aimed for the film to be deeply character-driven, focusing on Finbar's internal struggle and his relationships, particularly his paternal bond with an innocent local.

• Exploring Legacy: The vision includes examining what kind of legacy a violent man leaves behind, and if there's a way to find a meaningful ending despite a bloody history.

Themes

• Legacy and Redemption: A central theme is the protagonist's struggle with his violent past and the possibility of achieving some form of redemption or leaving a different legacy before his death.

• Consequences of Violence: The film explicitly explores the far-reaching and often unavoidable consequences of a life dedicated to violence, showing how it can relentlessly pursue an individual.

• Family and Loyalty: Themes of loyalty to one's chosen family (the village community) versus loyalty to the destructive code of a past life are prominent.

• Justice and Retribution: The narrative delves into different forms of justice – institutional, personal, and retaliatory – and the cyclical nature of retribution.

• Innocence and Corruption: The contrast between the innocent villagers and the corrupted individuals from both Finbar's past and the terrorist group highlights the pervasive nature of evil and the fight to protect purity.

Key success factors

• Liam Neeson's Star Power: Liam Neeson in his signature "older action hero" role is a significant draw, appealing to his established fanbase and ensuring market visibility.

• Gritty Crime Thriller Genre: The film effectively delivers on the expectations of a taut, action-packed crime thriller, blending suspense, violence, and moral dilemmas.

• Atmospheric Irish Setting: The stunning yet bleak Irish landscapes provide a unique and compelling backdrop, enhancing the film's mood and visual appeal.

• Strong Supporting Cast: Performances from actors like Kerry Condon (Oscar nominee) and Jack Gleeson add considerable depth and tension, elevating the narrative.

• Experienced Director: Robert Lorenz's background as a producer/director for Clint Eastwood brings a proven understanding of character-driven action and morally complex narratives.

Awards and Nominations

As of June 2025, In the Land of Saints and Sinners (2023) has received recognition at film festivals and industry events:

• Venice Film Festival (2023): Premiered out of competition.

• Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) Awards (2024): Nominated for several awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor (Liam Neeson), Best Supporting Actress (Kerry Condon), and other technical categories. Kerry Condon won Best Supporting Actress.

Critics Reception

• Mixed to Positive: Critical reception for In the Land of Saints and Sinners was generally mixed to positive. Many critics praised Liam Neeson's performance and the film's atmospheric setting, while some found the plot to be somewhat formulaic.

• The Guardian (Peter Bradshaw): Gave it 3/5 stars, noting it's a "classic Liam Neeson killer-comes-out-of-retirement movie" but praised the "well-realised performances" and "pleasingly atmospheric landscape," though felt it leaned into a certain "folksy Irishness."

• Variety (Owen Gleiberman): Highlighted Neeson's "world-weary but still lethal" presence and called it a "compellingly dark, beautifully photographed thriller," particularly praising Kerry Condon's "fiery" performance as the villain.

• Empire (Nick de Semlyen): Gave it 3/5 stars, calling it a "moody Irish crime thriller" that's "certainly pretty to look at," and effective as a "showcase for its two strong leads," but noted it "isn't exactly reinventing the wheel."

• Rotten Tomatoes: As of mid-2025, it holds an approval rating of 79% based on 104 critic reviews, with an average rating of 6.2/10. The consensus reads: "In the Land of Saints and Sinners is another reliably entertaining late-period Liam Neeson action thriller, elevated by strong supporting performances."

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics generally found In the Land of Saints and Sinners to be a solid, if somewhat familiar, entry in Liam Neeson's recent filmography. Praise was consistently directed at Neeson's grounded performance, Kerry Condon's compelling portrayal of the antagonist, and the film's atmospheric use of the Irish landscape. While some reviews pointed out a predictable plot, most agreed it delivered as an effective and gritty crime thriller, benefiting greatly from its cast.

Reviews

• RogerEbert.com (Brian Tallerico): Praised Robert Lorenz's ability to "elevate the familiar material" with "a patient hand, allowing the story to unfold in this remote Irish town." He highlighted Liam Neeson's nuanced performance, calling it a "strong, confident vehicle" for the actor. The review also commended Kerry Condon's "fierce performance" and the effective use of setting.

• IGN (Siddhant Adlakha): Gave it a 7/10, noting its "grim and gritty" tone and "thought-provoking exploration of a hitman’s final days." It lauded the performances of Neeson and Condon, as well as the "visceral action" sequences. It did, however, suggest that the plot could sometimes feel derivative.

• IndieWire (Christian Zilko): Described it as "surprisingly brutal" and "much darker" than some of Neeson's other recent action films. The review appreciated the "neo-western aesthetic" and the strength of the ensemble, particularly Condon. While acknowledging a degree of familiarity, it positioned the film as a strong entry in the genre.

Overall Summary of Reviews: Reviews for In the Land of Saints and Sinners frequently lauded the film for its atmospheric Irish setting and the strong performances of Liam Neeson and Kerry Condon, who bring depth to their roles. Critics appreciated its gritty, often brutal, approach to the crime thriller genre and its exploration of moral consequences. While some acknowledged a degree of predictability in the plot, the consensus was that the film provided a compelling and well-executed action drama, particularly benefiting from its experienced director's touch and the chemistry among its cast.

Box Office

In the Land of Saints and Sinners (2023) had a limited theatrical release.

• Worldwide Gross: Approximately $410,000.

• Limited Release: The film's box office performance reflects a limited release strategy, typical for independent thrillers or films primarily targeting VOD/streaming audiences after initial festival exposure.

Production Summary

In the Land of Saints and Sinners (2023) is an Irish-American crime thriller feature film directed by Robert Lorenz. It was filmed on location in County Donegal, Ireland, emphasizing the rugged beauty of the Irish coast as a key visual and atmospheric element.

Production companies

• Facing East Entertainment

• Merlin Films

• Ragtag Pictures

Sales companies

• Voltage Pictures (Worldwide sales)

Distribution companies

• Netflix (USA, UK, Ireland, and other territories - streaming rights)

• Signature Entertainment (UK - theatrical)

• Gravitas Ventures (USA - limited theatrical)

Release date on streaming

In the Land of Saints and Sinners (2023) was released on Netflix in the United States and other territories on November 10, 2023.

Theatrical Release

In the Land of Saints and Sinners (2023) had a limited theatrical release in select markets, including the UK and Ireland on October 27, 2023, and a limited release in the US on October 13, 2023.

Why to recommend this movie

• Liam Neeson's Signature Role: Fans of Liam Neeson's action thrillers will appreciate his return to a world-weary but formidable character seeking peace.

• Gritty Irish Thriller: It delivers a taut, violent, and atmospheric crime drama set against the beautiful yet unforgiving backdrop of the Irish coast.

• Strong Supporting Cast: Enjoy powerful performances from actors like Oscar nominee Kerry Condon and "Game of Thrones" alum Jack Gleeson, who elevate the material.

• Themes of Redemption: The film offers a compelling exploration of legacy, moral reckoning, and the possibility of redemption for a man haunted by his past.

• Visually Striking: The cinematography beautifully captures the rugged Irish landscape, making it a significant visual component of the film's mood.

Why to Watch Movie

• Intense Action: If you enjoy well-executed, visceral action sequences intertwined with a character-driven plot, this film delivers.

• Moral Dilemmas: Engage with a story that grapples with complex moral choices and the cyclical nature of violence and retribution.

• Atmospheric Setting: Be transported to a remote, picturesque Irish village, which adds a unique flavor to the classic hitman-seeking-retirement narrative.

• Solid Performances: Witness strong acting from its leads, particularly Liam Neeson and Kerry Condon, who bring depth and gravitas to their roles.

• Familiar Yet Engaging: For those who appreciate a reliable crime thriller formula executed with skill and enhanced by its setting and cast, this movie is a solid choice.

Movie Trend

"In the Land of Saints and Sinners (2023)" fits squarely within the enduring trend of "Later-Career Action Stars" films, particularly popularized by Liam Neeson, where aging protagonists use their veteran skills in a final, often redemptive, violent confrontation. It also aligns with "Neo-Western" influences, transplanting traditional Western themes of justice, isolation, and retribution into non-Western settings.

Social Trend

The film implicitly touches on the social trend of Dealing with a Violent Past and Seeking Peace. While set within a crime thriller context, the protagonist's desire to escape his violent history and find inner peace resonates with broader societal discussions around reconciliation, overcoming trauma, and the quest for a meaningful, less destructive, existence.

Final Verdict

In the Land of Saints and Sinners (2023) by Robert Lorenz is a robust and atmospheric crime thriller that delivers a compelling, albeit familiar, narrative. Elevated by Liam Neeson's reliably stoic performance and a standout turn by Kerry Condon, the film excels in its gritty action sequences and evocative use of the stunning Irish landscape. While it may not reinvent the genre, it provides a satisfying exploration of legacy, loyalty, and the inescapable consequences of a violent life. For fans of Neeson's later-career work and dark, character-driven thrillers, it's a solid and engaging watch that offers more than just typical action fare.

Recommendations for film makers

• Leverage Star Power Wisely: Filmmakers should recognize the value of casting established stars in roles that play to their strengths while still allowing for character depth and new thematic exploration.

• Utilize Setting as Character: Emphasize the importance of location, as seen with the Irish setting in this film, to enhance mood, visual appeal, and thematic resonance.

• Focus on Strong Antagonists: Invest in well-written and powerfully portrayed antagonists, as a compelling villain (like Kerry Condon's character) can significantly elevate the hero's journey and overall tension.

• Balance Action and Drama: For action thrillers, ensure a balance between thrilling sequences and character development, allowing the audience to invest emotionally in the protagonist's moral journey.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support Genre Films with Depth: Continue to back genre films (e.g., action, thrillers) that also offer strong dramatic elements, compelling characters, and thematic richness, as these can appeal to wider audiences and gain critical respect.

• Value Experienced Talent: Recognize and continue to cast veteran actors and directors who consistently deliver quality performances and solid craftsmanship, providing reliability and drawing power.

• Explore Diverse Global Settings: Encourage productions that utilize unique international locations, as these can provide fresh visual aesthetics and cultural backdrops to traditional story archetypes.

• Strategic Release for Niche Films: Implement effective release strategies for films that may not be blockbusters but have strong critical appeal, potentially leveraging VOD/streaming platforms after targeted theatrical runs to maximize reach.

Final Conclusions

In the Land of Saints and Sinners (2023) by Robert Lorenz stands as a strong example of a well-executed modern crime thriller. Anchored by Liam Neeson's reliable performance and a particularly compelling one from Kerry Condon, the film effectively uses its gritty narrative and atmospheric Irish setting to explore themes of legacy, loyalty, and the enduring consequences of violence. While its plot offers familiar beats, the film's committed performances and solid direction elevate it beyond simple genre fare. It reinforces the power of character-driven action and serves as a testament to the continued demand for thoughtful thrillers that delve into the moral complexities of their protagonists.