Watch Goodland

Goodland is a 2017 neo-noir thriller film that stars Kip Niven, Chris Bylsma, and Laura Jacobs. The film is directed by Josh Doke, who also co-wrote the screenplay along with Gregory M. Doke. The movie is set in a small Midwestern town called Goodland, where a murder has just taken place. The victim is a young woman named Delilah, who was found dead in the wheat fields outside of town. The prime suspects are three men: the town sheriff Georgette Gaines (Jacobs), and two drifters, Asa (Niven) and Bucky (Bylsma), who were the last ones to see Delilah alive.

As the investigation into Delilah's murder progresses, the film explores the dark underbelly of small-town life, where secrets and lies abound, and residents are quick to turn on each other. Goodland is a slow-burning film, with a deliberate pace that allows the tension to build gradually. The cinematography is beautifully done, capturing the stark beauty of the Kansas landscape, with its wide-open skies and endless fields of wheat.

The three main actors deliver strong performances in their roles. Kip Niven shines as Asa, a quiet, introspective man whose past is shrouded in mystery. Chris Bylsma is equally impressive as Bucky, a charming, but dangerous man with a hair-trigger temper. Laura Jacobs is excellent as Sheriff Georgette Gaines, a tough, no-nonsense law enforcement officer who is determined to get to the bottom of the case.

One of the strengths of Goodland is its attention to detail in its portrayal of small-town life. From the local diner to the dusty roads, the film immerses the viewer in the world of Goodland, evoking a sense of isolation and desperation that permeates the town. The characters are well-drawn and compelling, each with their own motivations and secrets.

The plot of Goodland is multi-layered, with twists and turns that keep the audience guessing. As the investigation unfolds, the audience is presented with a series of clues and red herrings that make it difficult to discern who the real killer is. The film is not afraid to be ambiguous, leaving some things up to interpretation and allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions.

Overall, Goodland is a well-crafted, atmospheric thriller with a haunting sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. While it may not be for everyone, fans of slow-burning, character-driven films will find much to appreciate here. It's a movie that rewards patience and attention to detail, offering a richly realized world that is both evocative and unsettling.

Goodland is a 2018 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1.