Broken Land is the directorial debut feature of writer/director J.T. Walker. The film stars David Morse (The Green Mile, The Hurt Locker) and introduces Jaklyn Bejarano.
Synopsis: Carson Tidwell (David Morse) wants nothing more than to be left alone on his rural Texas ranch. When he accidentally shoots someone crossing his land, he feels compelled to protect the person from his estranged Border Patrol agent son (Bill Heck). A bond forms that ultimately heals them both.
J.T. Walker directs the film from the script he co-wrote with Christopher Young. This drama can be given the label “too predictable” by some viewers, but as the story unfolds, I will not label it as such – familiar may be more accurate. The story can seem “predictable” because the topic of immigrants crossing the border into areas that are private property owned by farmers and ranchers have been heard/read often as news in publications. Those stories are by the property owners who complain of the damage to the fence, trash or trespassing. There are also stories about how the immigrants are abandoned by the “coyote” after breaking their agreement to transport them to where they were allegedly going to be employed. There are also stories of those who are fleeing their homes in other countries fleeing violence and more. The script by the filmmakers may be based on true events with some dramatization.
Carson Tidwell (David Morse) tries to live quietly raising cattle on his land but experiences the immigration issues on the U.S. border. His stern and distant mannerisms are noted, especially when he has limited dialogue with his adult son, Harley Tidwell (Bill Heck), a Border Patrol agent. One night, Carson’s decision to fire his gun to scare off any potential intruders leads to trouble he never envisioned, needed or wanted.
David Morse is excellent in the role as a reclusive elder, avoiding much interaction with the community members in town and his son or co-workers. At first, the viewer does not know why he avoids people. He is exceptionally good in the scene where he pours out his feelings about what happened in his life about his wife and son. Then he realizes the person may not have understood it all – and yet the empathy is done so quietly and simple. It is one of my very favorite scenes.
Jaklyn Bejarano in her debut role as Irenea, is also portraying someone who has had loss in her life but is determined to live a life in a more positive way. The interaction between her and the elder rancher is not always easy, but underneath the gruff exterior is someone who does have empathy. It is an engaging performance to view a new actor in dramatic scenes with a veteran actor like Morse.
Another feature of the film I highlight is the use of various Texas based actors in the supporting cast, including Brian Villalobos (San Antonio) and Sandy Avila (Austin).
The film was screened at the Austin Film Festival 2024, titled La Gloria. Broken Land was filmed in Freer, TX.
Rated: PG-13 for strong language, some violent content, bloody images, thematic elements, and a sexual reference (as listed on IMDb)
Run Time: 1 hour and 39 minutes
Produced by: Sharri Hefner, Houston Hill, George Sledge, J.T. Walker
Executive Produced by: Greg McCabe, Ty Roberts, Allen Gilmer, Jeanette McCollum
The film is now available On Demand as of June 12th.
Source: Well Go USA Entertainment
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