Au nom de la terre | 2019

Main Plot

Pierre, a young man of 25, comes back to rural France after spending time in Wyoming, eager to reunite with his fiancée and assume responsibility for his family's farm. As years pass, Pierre dedicates himself to expanding the land and growing his agricultural business, while also raising a family of his own. The story follows the triumphs and challenges that come with modern farming, highlighting the emotional and physical toll it takes on Pierre and those around him. Through shifting family dynamics, economic pressures, and personal struggles, Pierre’s journey reflects both the deep connection to the land and the sacrifices demanded by a life rooted in agriculture. The film paints an intimate portrait of a man striving to honor tradition while navigating the harsh realities of rural life, ultimately exploring themes of resilience, legacy, and the enduring bonds of family.

Characters

• Guillaume Canet plays Pierre, a young man who returns home to manage his family's farm. His journey explores the burdens of inheritance and the sacrifices demanded by rural life.
• Veerle Baetens portrays Claire, Pierre's devoted wife, who stands by him through the farm's many challenges. Her resilience is tested as she navigates loyalty and personal fulfillment.
• Anthony Bajon appears as Thomas, Pierre and Claire's son, growing up amid the pressures of farm life. His coming-of-age is marked by the struggle to find his own path within a demanding family legacy.

Ending Explained

As Au nom de la terre draws to a close, the toll of years spent struggling to sustain the family farm becomes heartbreakingly clear. Pierre, once full of hope upon his return from Wyoming, is now worn down by relentless financial pressures, mounting debts, and the emotional strain of trying to preserve his family’s legacy. The expansion of the farm, which once symbolized ambition and growth, ultimately contributes to Pierre’s sense of isolation and despair. The film’s final moments are marked by a profound sense of loss as Pierre’s mental health deteriorates, culminating in a tragic outcome that deeply affects his loved ones. The family is left to grapple with grief and the daunting task of moving forward, forced to confront the harsh realities of rural life and the sacrifices made in the name of tradition. The ending underscores the fragility of dreams in the face of overwhelming adversity, leaving viewers with a poignant reflection on the personal costs of devotion to the land and family.