LONG NIGHT'S JOURNEY INTO DAY // A FILM REVIEW OF "NO MAN'S LAND"
The border crisis between Mexico and Texas has been the inspiration to many stories, from film and TV to novels and radio plays. Speaking about it can and usually will spark a heated conversation/debate throughout this country and in Conor Allyn's new film NO MAN'S LAND, he tells another tale of the border between two countries and a young Cowboys slow burn redemption. Jake Allyn (also one of the co-writers) plays Jackson Greer, the "golden child" son of the Greer clan. He loves working on the family ranch and spending time with his family, especially his brother Lucas (Alex MacNicoll). Their father (Frank Grillo) is extremely excited about Jake's impending professional baseball career, as his son may be signing to the New York Yankees. It seems that the father may be more excited about it than his son, since Jake is content where he is and doesn't seem entirely thrilled about his impressive prospect.
One evening a chaotic fight breaks out as a group crossing the border is caught on their land. The father has been growing paranoid lately, thinking that those crossing have become violent. During the chaos, a young boy is accidentally shot by Jackson's gun. That boy is the son of the man leading the caravan across. Scared for his son, the father tries to tell Police that it was him, but something doesn't smell right to a Texas Ranger (George Lopez). He thinks that Jackson was the one who pulled the trigger and a chase across the border begins. However, this is no ordinary chase. Jackson is racked with guilt, ashamed of himself and sick to his stomach that he shot the young boy. His journey takes him to several Mexican families who feed him and give him a roof to sleep under, all showcasing wonderful kindnesses. Jackson is a far cry from his paranoid father and sees that he has to try and write the wrongs from this untimely killing.
NO MAN'S LAND is a beautifully shot, well-acted movie that takes its time (mostly), enriching the plot with spending time with its lead character. Jake Allyn is very strong as the young man who's guilt takes him on this journey. His performance is soft spoken and understated and Jake's brother Conor directs the film beautifully, filling each frame with gorgeous scenic shots. There are issues as well, namely a lot of cliches and a narrative path that is quite predictable. Sadly, the ending falls apart, but that doesn't take away the good that the film does have to offer, especially a rich middle section. It's dangerously close to being part of the "white savior" club, but mostly escapes those tropes and takes us on a journey that may not be the most original, but is a lovely story none the less.
GRADE: B
WRITTEN BY Jake Allyn, David Barraza DIRECTED BY Conor Allyn STARRING Jake Allyn, Frank Grillo, Jorge A. Jimenez, Alex MacNicoll, Andie MacDowell, George Lopez, Esmeralda Pimentel. OPENING IN SELECT THEATRES AND IN DIGITAL CINEMAS JANUARY 22nd. FOR MORE INFO AND SHOWTIMES: https://www.ifcfilms.com/films/no-mans-land