Watch Limbo
- R
- 1999
- 2 hr 6 min
-
7.0 (6,479)
Limbo is a powerful and suspenseful drama directed by John Sayles that was released in 1999. The film stars David Strathairn, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Vanessa Martinez. The movie is set in Alaska and follows the lives of three different individuals who find themselves stranded on an island, hoping for rescue. David Strathairn plays Joe Gastineau, a former fisherman and current handyman who has a dark past and is haunted by it. He is hired by Donna De Angelo (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), a lounge singer who has recently moved to Alaska with her daughter Noelle (Vanessa Martinez), to fix up her boat.
The story also features a political subplot involving a proposed oil pipeline that threatens to destroy the Alaskan wilderness. This becomes a major point of contention between the characters and puts them at odds with each other.
As the days pass and no rescue seems to be coming, the three characters are forced to confront their personal demons and anxieties. Joe, who is estranged from his daughter, begins to form a bond with Noelle as he teaches her how to fish and survive on the island. Donna, who has a history of failed relationships, finds herself drawn to Joe despite his troubled past. Meanwhile, Noelle deals with her own emotional trauma and struggles to come to terms with her mother's choices and her own aspirations for the future.
The tension rises as the characters' relationships become more complex and their survival becomes more precarious. The film does an excellent job of creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and isolation, as the characters are truly alone with only each other for company. The Alaskan wilderness serves as a beautiful yet dangerous backdrop that adds to the sense of unease.
The acting in Limbo is top-notch, with David Strathairn delivering a powerful performance as Joe. His portrayal of a man struggling with his past while trying to connect with others is both compelling and heartbreaking. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is also excellent as Donna, a woman who is torn between her desire for Joe and her need for safety and stability. Together, the two actors have great chemistry and their scenes together are some of the film's best. Vanessa Martinez is also strong as Noelle, portraying a young woman on the cusp of adulthood with sensitivity and depth.
Overall, Limbo is a gripping and haunting film that delves into human relationships, personal struggles, and the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. John Sayles expertly weaves together a complex narrative that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The film is highly recommended for those who enjoy character-driven dramas with a strong sense of place and atmosphere.
Limbo is a 1999 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 68.