The movie also makes it clear that some who get sent to the camp never get to come back, with the parents wanting it that way. One of the most harrowing scenes in the movie is when Lewis clears all of Jones’s belongings from the house. When Anderson confronts her about what will happen to her adopted brothers, Lewis makes it clear that she let Coppins go into the prison system and doesn’t plan to ever bring Jones back home. What makes it extra chilling is how easy it is for Lewis to give up the two black children she adopted. Jesus Land makes it clear just how savage the 80s could be behind closed doors, especially the ones with the crucifixes on them. Not that there is anything wrong with Christianity, just the monsters in human skin that hide in churches to keep hurting children.
Julia and David ride their bikes down a country road in rural Indiana in Jesus Land.
“But if you want a harrowing real-life drama that can crush your bones, take a trip to Jesus Land.”
I have always considered Juliette Lewis to be one of the best actresses of my generation, with Jesus Land showing once again her mastery of the craft. The performance of Ruth turned in by Lewis solidifies her standing in the pantheon of great screen villainy. Lewis brings to her mother role the dead-eyed stare of a great white shark, with no regard for the willful destruction of her own children. I can watch Lewis murder people all night long as Mallory Knox, but seeing the heinous acts Lewis let occur as Ruth made my skin crawl. Any Vietmom veterans out there will recognize the fucked-up mommy Lewis puts on parade here, with authentic touches that make her work horrifyingly genuine. Anderson does a great job as well, managing this tiny flicker of spunk throughout the hurricane of cruelty that is truly inspiring.
Kariat does a brilliant job with her adaptation of the source material, managing to get the maximum emotional reactions from her deft choices. Using flashbacks like a master poker player deals cards, Kariat seamlessly glides between time periods, setting up one great reveal after another. With the contrast between the jungle camp and rural Indiana, it is easy for the audience to keep track when we jump. Each time we do, it gets us deeper into not just what systemic oppression looks like but also how it feels. The whole production looks neat as a pin, with excellent lighting and striking angle choices, especially the eerie scene where Bruun goes over the rules. Those who are looking for popcorn problems that are resolved by car chases should look elsewhere. But if you want a harrowing real-life drama that can crush your bones, take a trip to Jesus Land.
For screening information, visit the Jesus Land official website.
"…makes it clear just how savage the 80s could be behind closed doors..."
