Festivals - Sundance Film Festival 2021 : In the earth will have its world premiere

By Mulder, 27 december 2020

As a deadly virus ravages the world, Dr. Martin Lowery embarks on a mission to reach test site ATU327A, a research hub deep in the Arboreal Forest. The arduous journey, guided by park scout Alma, is set back by a nighttime attack that leaves the two bruised and shoeless. When they run into Zach, a man living off the grid, they gratefully accept his help. Zach’s intentions aren’t exactly what they seem, however, and a path out of the forest and into safety quickly fades as the line between myth and science blurs.

Writer/director Ben Wheatley (Sightseers, 2013 Sundance Film Festival) delivers a visually rich and disorienting viewing experience that defies easy categorization. In a departure from his sleek genre thrillers (High-Rise, Free Fire), In the Earth uses an understated and unnerving synth score, mystical allusions, and nature itself to instill a feeling of unease and danger. As Martin and Alma desperately look for a way out, this stripped-down approach unfolds into a psychedelic kaleidoscope of changing colors, shapes, and sounds that turns the world inside out.

Synopsis :
As the world searches for a cure to a disastrous virus, a scientist and park scout venture deep in the forest for a routine equipment run.

In the earth (United kingdom)
Written and Directed by Ben Wheatley
Produced by Andy Starke
Starring Joel Fry, Ellora Torchia, Hayley Squires, Reece Shearsmith
Music by Clint Mansell
Cinematography : Nick Gillespie
Production Designer : Felicity Hickson
Edited by Ben Wheatley
Costume Designer : Emma Fryer
Distributed by Neon
Release date : January 30, 202 (Sundance)
Running time : 100 minutes

Premiere : jan. 30 - 3:00am // Second screening : jan. 31 - 4:00pm (local time)

(Source : press release)