In the Land of Saints and Sinners – Cast, Plot & Where to Watch
In the Land of Saints and Sinners is a 2023 Irish action thriller directed by Robert Lorenz. Starring Liam Neeson, the film is set in 1974 against the backdrop of The Troubles in Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic. It was shot primarily in County Donegal and later became available on Netflix in the UK and Ireland from April 2024.
The story follows Finbar Murphy, a retired hitman trying to live quietly in a remote coastal community. When a group of IRA members on the run from a Belfast bombing arrives, Murphy is forced to confront his past and protect those around him. The film draws on the historical tension of the era but presents a fictional narrative.
With a strong supporting cast including Kerry Condon, Ciarán Hinds, and Colm Meaney, the movie has drawn attention for its measured tone and classic thriller structure. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2023 and received a wide theatrical release in early 2024.
Who Is in the Cast of In the Land of Saints and Sinners?
Film at a glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | In the Land of Saints and Sinners |
| Release Year | 2023 (festival) / 2024 (wide theatrical) |
| Director | Robert Lorenz |
| Writers | Mark Michael McNally, Terry Loane |
| Starring | Liam Neeson, Kerry Condon, Jack Gleeson, Ciarán Hinds, Desmond Eastwood |
| Genre | Action thriller |
| Runtime | 106 minutes |
| Country | Ireland |
| Language | English |
| Rating | R (US) / 15 (UK) |
Key insights about the film
- Liam Neeson reunites with director Robert Lorenz after working together on The Marksman and The Minuteman.
- Set in 1974 during The Troubles, the film explores the moral dilemmas of a hitman in a small Irish town.
- Praised for its classically constructed storytelling and strong performances, especially Kerry Condon as Doireann McCann.
- Streaming on Netflix in the UK and select regions since April 2024, but not yet available on Netflix US as of mid‑2025.
- Not based on a specific true story, but grounded in the historical reality of the IRA ceasefire and vigilante justice.
Snapshot facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Robert Lorenz |
| Writers | Mark Michael McNally, Terry Loane |
| Starring | Liam Neeson, Kerry Condon, Jack Gleeson, Ciarán Hinds, Desmond Eastwood |
| Music | David F. Wingo |
| Cinematography | Tommy Fitzgerald |
| Release dates | Venice Film Festival: Sep 2023; US: March 29, 2024; UK: April 5, 2024 |
| Runtime | 106 minutes |
| Country | Ireland |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $15 million (estimated) |
| Box office | $12.3 million (worldwide) |
| Ratings | Rotten Tomatoes: 87% (critics), 82% (audience); IMDb: 6.5/10 |
When Was In the Land of Saints and Sinners Released?
The film had its world premiere out of competition at the Venice Film Festival on 9 September 2023. It went on to screen at the Zurich, Busan, and Chicago film festivals in October 2023 before its theatrical rollout in 2024.
Theatrical release dates
The movie opened in the United States on 29 March 2024, followed by releases in Ireland and the United Kingdom on 5 April 2024. It arrived on digital VOD platforms on 12 April 2024.
Netflix release
In the Land of Saints and Sinners was added to Netflix in the UK, Ireland, and select territories on 26 April 2024. As of mid‑2025 it is not available on Netflix US.
While the film is streaming on Netflix in some regions, viewers in the United States may need to check other digital platforms or wait for a potential future licensing deal.
Where Was In the Land of Saints and Sinners Filmed?
Primary filming location: County Donegal
The vast majority of principal photography took place in County Donegal, Ireland. The coastal landscapes and rural villages of the region were used to create the remote community where the story unfolds.
Specific locations used
Reviews and synopsis material place much of the action in or around Glencolmcille, a coastal village in Donegal. Additional filming was carried out in Dublin, though Donegal remains the primary setting.
Why Donegal?
The choice of Donegal reflects the filmmakers’ desire for an authentic Irish backdrop that could stand in for the border area between Northern Ireland and the Republic during the 1970s. The region’s rugged beauty and isolation fit the tone of the film.
Where Can I Watch In the Land of Saints and Sinners?
Streaming on Netflix
In the Land of Saints and Sinners is currently available to stream on Netflix UK and in several other territories. The specific catalogue varies by region.
Digital and Blu‑ray release
The film was released on digital VOD platforms on 12 April 2024. A Blu‑ray edition exists, and at least one disc review has been published, but an official street date has not been confirmed by the studio as of mid‑2025.
If you are outside the Netflix‑available regions, you can rent or purchase the film on major digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. The Blu‑ray may also be available through import retailers.
What Is the Production and Release Timeline of In the Land of Saints and Sinners?
- September 2022 – Filming begins in Donegal, Ireland.
- December 2022 – Principal photography wraps.
- 9 September 2023 – World premiere at Venice Film Festival (out of competition).
- October 2023 – Screenings at Zurich, Busan, and Chicago film festivals.
- 29 March 2024 – Theatrical release in the United States.
- 5 April 2024 – Theatrical release in Ireland and the United Kingdom.
- 12 April 2024 – Digital release on VOD platforms.
- 26 April 2024 – Netflix release in UK, Ireland, and select territories.
- March 2025 – Blu‑ray and DVD announced for Region A/1 (expected Q4 2025).
Is In the Land of Saints and Sinners Based on a True Story?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| The film is a fictional story set in the 1970s during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. | Some online sources incorrectly label it as a “true story” due to its realistic setting; it is not. |
| No real‑life individuals are portrayed; characters and events are invented. | The exact inspiration for the plot has not been publicly credited to any single real event. |
| The lead character, Finbar Murphy, is a hitman who decides to change his ways. | Blu‑ray release dates are not officially confirmed by the studio as of mid‑2025. |
What Is the Context Behind In the Land of Saints and Sinners?
The film belongs to a cycle of Liam Neeson action thrillers made with director Robert Lorenz. It uses the historical backdrop of the 1974 IRA ceasefire to explore themes of redemption, violence, and community. The setting in Donegal adds authenticity, and the film’s tone is more reflective than Neeson’s usual Taken-style vengeance.
Key themes include redemption versus duty, the cost of violence, community and isolation, and the legacy of The Troubles. Critics have compared it to Neeson’s The Marksman and to Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino for its moral complexity.
What Are Critics Saying About In the Land of Saints and Sinners?
“Well-written and classically constructed, In the Land of Saints and Sinners is one of the better action thrillers Liam Neeson’s made in recent years.”
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
“Neeson finds cowboy spirit in Donegal… the film delivers a satisfying western-tinged thriller.”
Phil Hoad, The Guardian
“A disillusioned hitman comes out of retirement for one last job when an IRA bomber on the run from the law goes on a deadly rampage.”
Netflix synopsis
Should You Watch In the Land of Saints and Sinners?
If you enjoy Liam Neeson’s later career action films or are interested in a slower, character‑driven thriller set during The Troubles, this movie is worth your time. It holds strong critical ratings and provides a thoughtful contrast to more bombastic entries in the genre. For a similar format covering an Irish‑produced show, see Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything: cast, plot and where to watch. You may also find the Cast of Another Simple Favor: Returning Stars & New Faces of interest for its ensemble focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age rating for In the Land of Saints and Sinners?
The film is rated R in the US for violence, language, and some drug use; in the UK it is a 15.
Who composed the music for In the Land of Saints and Sinners?
The score was composed by David F. Wingo.
How long is In the Land of Saints and Sinners?
The runtime is 106 minutes.
Is In the Land of Saints and Sinners worth watching?
Critics have given generally positive reviews, praising Neeson’s performance and the film’s classic thriller structure. It holds an 87% Rotten Tomatoes score.
Does Liam Neeson do his own stunts in this film?
While Neeson performs many action sequences, specific stunt details have not been highlighted in reviews.
Was In the Land of Saints and Sinners filmed in Ireland?
Yes, the film was shot entirely on location in County Donegal, Ireland.
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