n the Land of Saints and Sinners is a 2023 Irish action thriller film directed by Robert Lorenz and written by Mark Michael McNally and Terry Loane.
The film features Liam Neeson in the lead role as Finbar Murphy, alongside a strong supporting cast that includes Kerry Condon, Jack Gleeson, Colm Meaney, and Ciarán Hinds. Set in the 1970s, the story follows Finbar, who leads a quiet life in the remote coastal town of Glencolmcille, far removed from the political violence that engulfs the rest of Ireland. However, his peaceful existence is disrupted when a menacing crew of terrorists, led by a ruthless woman named Doireann, arrives in town, forcing Finbar to confront his dark past and choose between exposing his secret identity or protecting his friends and neighbors.
The film premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 6, 2023, and was later released for streaming on Netflix on April 26, 2024. With a runtime of 106 minutes, In the Land of Saints and Sinners has garnered mixed to positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an approval rating of 83% based on 71 reviews, with an average rating of 6.6/10. The consensus describes it as "well-written and classically constructed," noting that it is one of the better action thrillers Liam Neeson has made in recent years. Metacritic assigns the film a score of 60 out of 100, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.
Critics have highlighted the film's strong performances, particularly praising Neeson's portrayal of Finbar as rugged and dependable. Reviews from outlets like Empire and The Irish Times have noted the film's engaging setting and character dynamics, while also pointing out some limitations in its exploration of Irish history. The cinematography captures the scenic beauty of the Irish landscape, enhancing the film's atmospheric tension.
Overall, In the Land of Saints and Sinners presents a gripping narrative that intertwines personal redemption with themes of violence and community, making it a noteworthy addition to the action thriller genre.