An independent film, Land of Owls appears at first to be about a retreat focused on couples’ therapy. Shortly into the film, though, the individuals responsible for running the retreat are asking themselves if one of the newly arrived participants could be the “one” person they are looking for.
Surrounded by beautiful tree-covered mountain tops, the retreat is set far away from the city, amidst a lush forest and a clear stream. Director Patrick Letterii delivers a quietly mysterious, if not mystical, drama with excellent performances by the cast and in a setting surrounded by idyllic scenery.
Cord (Ricardo Davila) and his partner Gene (Ronald Peet) come to the retreat to improve their relationship. While Cord maintains some ties with his work in the city using his cell phone, Gene sketches in a journal when he has free time. Julia (Emma Duncan) and her partner Theo (David Rysdahl) are the second couple hoping to resolve their problems.
An unnamed counselor (Jasmin Walker) conducts the therapy sessions and assists the couples with examining their individual needs, what they want from their partners, and, what they want for themselves; using her calm persuasive skills, she gets the couples to reflect on their own desires. Wearing white t-shirts and white shorts, the group attends outside yoga sessions and engages in outdoor activities such as canoeing. Suspicious activity occurs nearby where seniors are working on an overgrown garden for no apparent reason.
Gene and Cord concentrate on being more honest with each other. Their therapy sessions are productive and their intimate relationship improves. Julia and Theo have intimacy issues and Julia grows more distant from Theo as she focuses more on her interest in creating music. Julia gets to know the single woman who stays at the retreat and helps out in the kitchen. This unnamed woman had previously attended the retreat with her gay partner; their therapy resulted in the two breaking up and the one young woman staying on.
A second counselor, Paul, shows interest in Theo and persuades Theo to run with him each morning. Paul encourages Theo to stay on at the retreat; Paul states that he likes it there and will remain as long as possible. Taking a break, Julia drives to a nearby shop and discovers the meaning of the symbol on their t-shirts: land of owls. She learns that a community lived in the area in the 1970s and something happened to them. Julia attempts to put the pieces together and she and Theo discover their own desires. A quiet thoughtful film, Land of Owls is a strong optional choice. Aud: C, P.