God's Own Country 2017
Directed by
Francis Lee
Made by
Picturehouse Entertainment
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of God's Own Country (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In Yorkshire, young Johnny finds himself managing the family farm alongside his father, Martin Saxby, and his elderly grandmother, Deirdre Saxby. Following Martin’s stroke and [Deirdre’s] advanced age, much of the farm’s daily responsibilities have now fallen squarely on Johnny’s shoulders. During his downtime, Johnny often indulges in binge drinking and clandestine sexual escapades with other men. One night, after returning late from a rendezvous with a young auctioneer, he faces his father’s wrath upon learning that a calf has died due to a breech birth during his absence.
To assist during the lambing season, Gheorghe, a Romanian migrant worker, is brought on board, and he spends his initial night in a caravan set up by the family. Due to the ewes being distant from the main farmhouse and part of the boundary wall remaining unrepaired by Johnny, it is decided that Johnny and Gheorghe will camp closer to the flock for a few days. An intriguing moment unfolds when one of the ewes gives birth to an unconscious runt; Gheorghe’s adeptness at reviving and nurturing the lamb captures Johnny’s attention. However, a rising tension between the two men escalates when Johnny, in an act of ignorance, refers to Gheorghe derogatorily as a “gypsy.” Gheorghe responds by tackling Johnny to the ground, asserting that such disrespect will not be tolerated.
Their volatile relationship continues to simmer, culminating in a physical altercation that leads to a surprising and passionate sexual encounter in the dirt. Initially, Johnny avoids acknowledging what has transpired between them, but they bond over shared cigarettes and sugar packets to enjoy with their cup noodles. That evening, Gheorghe gently rebuffs Johnny’s attempts at aggression, instead illustrating that intimacy can also be filled with tenderness, culminating in their first kiss.
Upon returning to the main house, Johnny extends an invitation for Gheorghe to stay with him and his family, but Gheorghe chooses to remain in the caravan. A second stroke leaves Martin unable to contribute, thrusting the responsibility of managing the farm entirely onto Johnny. Seeking to have Gheorghe’s support, Johnny invites him to stay permanently, but Gheorghe expresses skepticism about their ability to balance their relationship with farm life. Frustrated, Johnny spirals into excessive drinking and engages in another reckless sexual encounter, which prompts Gheorghe to leave the farm in dismay.
As Martin is discharged from the hospital, he is fully incapacitated, making Johnny more determined than ever to reconcile with Gheorghe. He resolves to run the farm his own way and receives his father’s silent approval. Johnny embarks on a journey to find Gheorghe, eventually locating him working in Scotland. Their reunion leads to reconciliation, and Gheorghe returns with Johnny to the farm. The caravan is removed, and Gheorghe finally moves into the house, suggesting newfound stability and connection between the two men.
This story intertwines themes of love, responsibility, and the complexity of relationships against the backdrop of rural life.
Timeline
Track the key events of God's Own Country (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Johnny Takes Charge
In Yorkshire, young Johnny is thrust into the role of managing the family farm after his father Martin suffers a stroke. Alongside his elderly grandmother, Deirdre, Johnny faces overwhelming responsibilities while trying to maintain the farm's daily operations.
Johnny's Reckless Nights
While managing the farm, Johnny often indulges in binge drinking and explores clandestine relationships with other men. One night, after a rendezvous with a young auctioneer, he returns home only to face his father's wrath for neglecting his duties.
Arrival of Gheorghe
To help with the demanding lambing season, Gheorghe, a Romanian migrant worker, is brought to the farm. His presence signals a need for assistance amidst Johnny's struggles with the farm's workload and family responsibilities.
Camping Close to the Ewes
Due to the distance between the ewes and the farmhouse, it is decided that Johnny and Gheorghe will camp closer to the flock for a few days. This arrangement sets the stage for shifting dynamics between the two men.
The Birth of the Lamb
An eventful night sees one of the ewes give birth to an unconscious runt lamb. Gheorghe's skill in reviving the lamb impresses Johnny, showcasing his expertise and forming the basis for their evolving relationship.
A Tense Altercation
Tensions rise between Johnny and Gheorghe when Johnny makes a derogatory comment about Gheorghe's background. This escalates into a physical confrontation, marking a low point in their interactions.
Unexpected Intimacy
Following their altercation, Johnny and Gheorghe share a passionate and surprising sexual encounter in the dirt. This marks a significant turning point in their relationship, intertwining aggression with unexpected tenderness.
Bonding Moments
In the aftermath of their encounter, Johnny and Gheorghe begin to bond over shared moments, including enjoying cigarettes and cup noodles together. These small interactions deepen their connection amid the challenging farm life.
Johnny's Invitation
After developing a deeper relationship, Johnny invites Gheorghe to stay permanently at the main house. However, Gheorghe expresses reluctance and chooses to remain in the caravan, highlighting the complexities of their situation.
Martin's Condition Worsens
Martin suffers another stroke, leaving him incapacitated and further shifting the burden of farm management onto Johnny. This situation intensifies Johnny's feelings of isolation and responsibility.
Johnny's Despair
With the pressure mounting, Johnny succumbs to excessive drinking and engages in reckless behavior. His actions lead to Gheorghe's decision to leave the farm, exacerbating Johnny's sense of abandonment and loss.
Searching for Gheorghe
Determined to reconcile, Johnny embarks on a journey to find Gheorghe, eventually tracking him down in Scotland. This journey illustrates Johnny's commitment to their relationship and his desire for redemption.
Reunion and Reconciliation
Johnny and Gheorghe's reunion in Scotland leads to a heartfelt reconciliation. They both confront their past issues and reaffirm their bond, showcasing the emotional growth they've experienced.
New Beginnings
Upon returning to the farm together, Gheorghe moves from the caravan into the main house. This transition symbolizes a new beginning for both men, presenting opportunities for stability and love amidst their shared responsibilities.
Embracing Responsibility Together
With Gheorghe's support, Johnny embraces the complexities of farm life and his relationship. They work together to navigate both love and responsibility, intertwined against the backdrop of rural life.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring God's Own Country (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Gheorghe Ionescu (Alec Secareanu)
Gheorghe is a Romanian migrant worker whose skills and compassion bring a transformative presence to Johnny's life. He is resilient and protective, embodying both strength and tenderness as he navigates the complexities of his relationship with Johnny. His character challenges stereotypes and highlights the themes of love and respect.
Johnny Saxby (Josh O'Connor)
Johnny is a conflicted young man caught between familial duty and personal desires. His initial struggles with alcohol and reckless behavior reflect his internal turmoil, but his relationship with Gheorghe serves as a catalyst for his growth. He embodies the search for belonging and connection against the backdrop of rural expectations.
Martin Saxby (Ian Hart)
Martin is Johnny's father, whose health decline forces Johnny to take on the burden of the family farm. His character is marked by silent strength and vulnerability, representing the traditional values of rural life. Despite his incapacitation, his mere presence serves as a reminder of duty and the passing of generational responsibilities.
Deirdre Saxby (Gemma Jones)
Deirdre is Johnny's elderly grandmother, representing the wisdom of age amidst the chaotic backdrop of farm life. Her nurturing nature and advanced age contrast with the tumultuous relationships surrounding her, highlighting themes of family and care in the story.
Setting
Uncover the settings of God's Own Country (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film takes place in contemporary times, reflecting modern issues such as the pressures of family obligations and personal relationships. The characters navigate the complexities of life on a farm, dealing with both traditional values and contemporary challenges like migration and sexuality.
Location
Yorkshire, Scotland
Yorkshire is a picturesque region in England known for its stunning landscapes, rolling hills, and quaint farms. It serves as the backdrop for the film, highlighting the challenges of rural life, including the struggles of managing family responsibilities. Scotland is also featured as a location where the protagonist seeks reconciliation, symbolizing hope and change.
Themes
Explore the core themes of God's Own Country (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love
The theme of love is central to the narrative, exploring both romantic and familial relationships. The evolving bond between Johnny and Gheorghe illustrates the power of love to transcend cultural and personal barriers. Their relationship's tenderness amidst hardship emphasizes the complexities of human connection.
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Responsibility
Responsibility is a key theme as Johnny grapples with managing the family farm after his father's incapacitation. The weight of expectations leads him to struggle with his identity and choices. This theme highlights the pressures faced by young individuals in familial roles and their quest for personal fulfillment.
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Growth
The film conveys a theme of personal growth, particularly through Johnny's journey of self-discovery and acceptance. His relationship with Gheorghe catalyzes his transformation, as he learns to embrace vulnerability and intimacy. The narrative illustrates that growth often arises from facing challenging emotions and circumstances.
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