Watch The Cold Lands

The Cold Lands is a 2013 independent drama film directed by Tom Gilroy. The movie stars Lili Taylor, Silas Yelich, and Maggie Low in lead roles. The story revolves around a teenage boy named Atticus (played by Silas Yelich) who gets abandoned by his mother (Lili Taylor) and left alone to fend for himself in the wilderness of upstate New York.

Atticus, a 13-year-old boy, lives with his mother Nicole, a free-spirited woman who is unable to cope with the realities of the world. One day, Nicole leaves Atticus alone and sets off on a journey to "find herself". Atticus is left to fend for himself, with limited resources, in their isolated cabin in the woods. He is forced to survive on his own and face the real world for the first time.

Atticus finds himself drifting towards a life of petty thievery and other forms of delinquent behavior. His search for a source of income leads him to cross paths with a wild-eyed drifter named Carter (played by Peter Scanavino). Carter takes Atticus under his wing, but their association cultivates a sense of foreboding. Scavenging and shoplifting are not enough to sustain Atticus for long, and he decides to venture out of the woods in search of a better life.

The film is a slow-paced contemplation of growing up, self-reliance, and self-discovery. Atticus' journey is not easy, as he has to navigate the harsh realities of the world outside his sheltered existence. The story is presented in a naturalistic, documentary-like style that is both immersive and engaging. The atmosphere is immersive, and the visuals are stunning, capturing the beauty and harshness of the vast, rural landscape.

The performances in The Cold Lands are excellent. Silas Yelich delivers a remarkable debut performance as Atticus. He manages to convey the character's vulnerability, innocence, and growing sense of maturity with ease. Lili Taylor's performance as Nicole is subtle and nuanced, capturing the complexities and contradictions of a troubled soul. Maggie Low, who plays a local store owner, is brilliant in her brief but impactful role.

Tom Gilroy's direction is confident, and he does not shy away from presenting the narrative in a non-linear fashion. The cinematography by Wyatt Garfield is excellent, capturing the beauty of the natural surroundings and the isolation of the characters. The sound design is also noteworthy, with the use of natural sounds adding to the immersive experience.

The Cold Lands is not just a coming-of-age story; it is also a meditation on modern-day society's ills. The film's themes of alienation, economic uncertainty, and lack of trust in authority figures will resonate with many viewers. At its core, though, the film is a tale of survival and an ode to the resilience of the human spirit.

In conclusion, The Cold Lands is a captivating drama that will appeal to fans of character-driven narratives. With its exceptional performances, immersive visuals, and insightful storytelling, the film tells a poignant story of a young boy's journey towards self-discovery and maturity. It is a film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who watch it.

The Cold Lands is a 2014 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 66.