‘The Promised Land’ review: Dir. Nikolaj Arcel (2024)

After previously collaborating on A Royal Affair, writer and director Nikolaj Arcel and actor Mads Mikkelsen reunite for new film, The Promised Land. Known as Bastarden in its native Denmark, The Promised Land is based on the novel – The Captain and Ann Barbara by Ida Jessen. In turn, Jessen’s novel is inspired by the life of Ludvig Kahlen, a soldier who sought to tame the Jutland heath. 

Set in the harsh environment of the 1700s, The Promised Land is a fantastic Nordic spin on the classic Western. Just like its American counterpart, The Promised Land is filled with complex heroes, manic villains, and tough women, making for compelling viewing. Arcel never holds back on the violence or malice, ensuring that The Promised Land is a confronting watch at times. Arcel captures the dangers of the old world and translates them onto screen perfectly. The director crafts the atmosphere so intensely that it almost feels as though the viewer has been transported back to the heath. It’s impressive work, and the immersion helps root the audience in not only the time period, but the emotion of the piece too. 

The Promised Land is steeped in the anguish that Mikkelsen’s Ludvig had to endure. All of the performances are superb, but Mads is magnificent. Ludvig is a harsh and practical man, and yet Mikkelsen manages to elicit a lot of sympathy for the character. It helps that Ludvig is played against the dastardly nobleman Frederik (Simon Bennebjerg). Frederik is like Alan Rickman’s Sheriff of Nottingham times a thousand, and with far more frivolous torture and murder. Bennebjerg makes the part his own and his over-the-top chaotic energy contrasts perfectly with Mads’ more subdued and stoic portrayal. 

Alongside both men are two stunning female performances by Amanda Collin as the fierce Ann Barbara, and Melina Hagberg as adorable feral child, Anmai Mus. It is through both of these characters that the warmth and devastation comes. Ann Barbara is a gloriously strong, almost modern, woman who goes to work with Ludvig. Her story arc is as important, if not more so than Ludvig’s, and a scene between her and Frederik is a standout of the film. Anmai Mus is the beating heart of The Promised Land. Initially introduced as a pest to Ludvig, their relationship deepens to a surrogate father and daughter dynamic that will almost certainly result in tears from the audience in at least one scene. This family unit sitting within the cruelty of the film adds a depth that enriches The Promised Land wonderfully.

Technically, The Promised Land looks beautiful. Arcel captures both the beauty and the hazard of the heathland. The landscapes are sweeping and the luscious score is intoxicating. These elements combine with the exceptional performances and captivating story to create a simply sublime Nordic Western.

The Promised Land is in selected UK cinemas now.