The struggle between the strictures of religion and our own brute animal nature plays out amid the beautifully forbidding landscapes of remote Iceland in this stunning psychological epic from director Hlynur Pálmason.

In the late nineteenth century, Danish priest Lucas (Elliott Crosset Hove) makes the perilous trek to Iceland’s remote southeastern coast with the intention of establishing a church, and photographing its people. There, the arrogant man of God finds his resolve tested as he confronts the harsh terrain, temptations of the flesh, and the reality of being an intruder in an unforgiving land. What unfolds is a transfixing journey into the heart of colonial darkness attuned to both the majesty and terrifying power of the natural world.

Praised by critics and audiences alike, Icelandic filmmaker Hlynur Pálmason’s epic GODLAND was thewinner of the Gold and Silver Hugo at the 2022 Chicago International Film Festival and official selections at Cannes, Telluride, Toronto and San Sebastian Film Festivals.

“GODLAND is absolutely breathtaking work – the camera helmed by Maria von Hausswolff captures the unassuming beauty of Iceland, but also does not hide its frigid nature, both terrifying and beautiful.” (Austin Chronicle)

“With ‘Godland’, Pálmason has enlisted us for a voyage of visual splendor, as terrifying as it is breathtaking, and divine contemplation.” (IndieWire)

“This richly realized, meditative and invigorating saga makes clear: plans are the folly of man, the workings of survival are infinitely more mysterious.” (The Wrap)

“One secret of this extraordinary film, and of its power to exhilarate: the shock of emotional vigor, arising from the continual rub of physical texture and effort.” (New Yorker)

“Necessarily bleak but shot through with moments of humor, the beautifully filmed Godland serves as a gently absorbing meditation on mortality.” (Rotten Tomatoes)

Saturday, April 1
Doors 4:00 pm | Movie 4:20 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets HERE

GODLAND “Vanskabte Land” (Hlynur Pálmason, 2022 / 143 mins / 18A / Danish and Icelandic with English subs) In the late 19th century, a young Danish priest travels to a remote part of Iceland to build a church and photograph its people. But the deeper he goes into the unforgiving landscape, the more he strays from his purpose, the mission and morality.

*Minors permitted. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office.
*Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance <[email protected]> and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity – you should not have issues being admitted.)