God's Own Country (2017)

In the bucolic sprawl of Northern England, young and bitter Johnny Saxby, shoulders the burden of running his family's sheep and cattle farm. His father, Martin Saxby, has been incapacitated by a stroke, his physical capabilities dwindling to a mere struggle with a cane. As the reluctant caretaker, Johnny's indifference seeps into his work, his every move shadowed by his father's watchful gaze. His monotony is only broken by excessive drinking and fleeting, passionless encounters with men in the local pub. The arrival of spring heralds the demanding lambing season and Martin hires Gheorghe Ionescu, a seasoned Romanian farm worker. Johnny's initial animosity towards Gheorghe is fueled by prejudice, viewing all Romanians through the lens of stereotypical mistrust. However, Gheorghe's expertise and dedication to farming stand in stark contrast to Johnny's lackadaisical approach. As Johnny and Gheorghe retreat to a remote corner of the farm, their friction morphs into a palpable sexual tension, unfolding into a relationship that is as unexpected as it is intense. The solitude their work affords them cultivates a rare intimacy between them, an experience that is entirely alien to Johnny. Gheorghe, a seasoned soldier in matters of the heart, understands the volatile nature of their relationship, a realization Johnny might never comprehend due to his lack of emotional experience. Yet, this unlikely romance offers Johnny a fresh perspective on life, enabling him to navigate his role on the farm and his strained relationship with his parents, especially in light of Martin's deteriorating health. 'God's Own Country' is a poignant exploration of self-discovery, love, and the personal metamorphosis that it ignites, set against the backdrop of a rustic English landscape.

God's Own Country is a drama movie featuring Josh O'Connor and directed by Francis Lee.

God's Own Country is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on AMC+ Amazon Channel, DIRECTV and Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy God's Own Country on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.