In this short post, we will tell you about the film “God’s Own Country,” a British LGBT drama released in 2017. We will explain why it is well-loved and praised. We will also discuss the ending and the themes of the movie. Finally, we will let you know where you can watch it.
© Alamy/Kerala Tourism Department
The 2017 British romantic drama film God’s Own Country is widely celebrated as one of the best LGBT movies of recent years, particularly noted for its authentic, unsentimental, and moving portrayal of queer love and self-discovery set against a rugged, non-urban background.
The Plot of God’s Own Country
The film is set on a struggling, remote sheep farm in the rugged and harsh Pennine Hills of West Yorkshire, England.
The Protagonist and His Life
The story is about Johnny Saxby, a young man in his early 20s. After his father, Martin, had a stroke and became disabled, Johnny had to do most of the hard work on the farm. He feels emotionally shut off, angry about his life, and stuck with his responsibilities. To deal with the boredom of his daily routine, he drinks heavily at the local pub and has secret, aggressive encounters with other men. He lives with his sick father and his strict but caring grandmother, Deirdre.
The Catalyst
As lambing season approaches, the family farm needs more help. Martin hires Gheorghe Ionescu, a Romanian migrant worker, on a temporary contract. Johnny is initially cold and hostile. He uses hurtful words toward Gheorghe, seeing him as a threat and a burden.
The Relationship Forms
Johnny and Gheorghe spend a week together in a remote shack on the moor to watch over sheep. Gheorghe is skilled and efficient, showing a gentle way with the animals. There is a well-known scene where he helps a mother sheep accept an abandoned lamb using a traditional method.
In this isolated place, Johnny and Gheorghe’s frustrations lead to a brief, rough physical fight. This slowly turns into a tender and emotional relationship. Gheorghe’s patience and openness gradually break down Johnny’s hard outer shell. As a result, Johnny begins to face feelings he has never allowed himself to feel.
Climax and Resolution
Johnny’s relationship with Gheorghe is at risk when he returns to old, harmful habits after his father suffers a severe stroke and faces bullying at the pub. Gheorghe feels their relationship is not working and leaves the farm. Johnny decides to stay and run the farm on his own terms. He tells his father about his commitment and goes to find Gheorghe in Scotland. He convinces Gheorghe to come back, not just as a worker, but as his partner. Together, they can create a hopeful future for the farm and their relationship.
The ending explained
The ending of God’s Own Country is subtle and emotionally impactful. It shows a significant change for the main character, Johnny Saxby. In this ending, Johnny chooses love and vulnerability instead of continuing his life of emotional isolation and self-destruction.
Here is a step-by-step explanation of the final events and their significance:
The Climax and Separation
Gheorghe’s Departure
After Johnny’s father, Martin, suffers a second, more severe stroke, the pressure and fear become overwhelming for Johnny. He reverts to his old, self-destructive habits, binge-drinking at the pub and engaging in a casual sexual encounter with a stranger while Gheorghe is present. Gheorghe, who has consistently offered tenderness and emotional connection, is disappointed by Johnny’s relapse and lack of emotional openness. He abruptly leaves the farm.
The Conversation with Martin
With his father now completely unable to care for himself, Johnny must run the farm by himself. Before he goes to find Gheorghe, Johnny has an essential talk with his father. He tells Martin that he will stay and run the farm, but “it has to be different… the way I want it to be.” This is Johnny’s way of saying he wants to be independent and accept himself. He is not staying out of obligation anymore; he is choosing to take care of the farm on his own terms, which includes his life with Gheorghe. Martin, who has been challenging and critical throughout the film, responds quietly. His nod shows that he understands and gives Johnny his unspoken support.
The Reconciliation
Finding Gheorghe
Johnny tracks Gheorghe down to a distant potato farm in Scotland, where he has found new work. When Johnny first tries to get Gheorghe to return, he reverts to his old, defensive communication style—unable to articulate his true feelings. Gheorghe initially refuses, telling Johnny he’s learned from experience that they can’t have a life together on the farm.
The Breakthrough
In a burst of pure honesty and vulnerability, Johnny finally opens up, telling Gheorghe that he has changed and that he wants him to come back. This raw moment of genuine emotional vulnerability is the breakthrough Johnny needed to have all along. Gheorghe accepts, recognizing that Johnny has made the commitment necessary to sustain their relationship.
The Final Scene and Significance
The film’s final moments show the couple returning to the farm and performing two symbolic actions.
The Cheese
Johnny and Gheorghe are setting up a simple cheesemaking station. This is important for several reasons. It shows Johnny accepting Gheorghe’s creative ideas to help their struggling farm, keeping his promise to his father that things would be “different.” This act of making cheese together represents the caring and home-like life they are building as a team, contrasting with Johnny’s previous lonely life.
The Caravan is Taken Away
A vehicle is towing Gheorghe’s caravan, which was his temporary home. This scene shows the change from temporary work to a permanent future. Gheorghe is moving into the house, becoming part of Johnny’s life and his family. The walls that separated them, both physical and emotional, are now gone.
The ending shows the substantial impact of love and being open with others. Johnny does not leave the farm; instead, he finds happiness by staying and taking on his responsibilities. He allows himself to change through a real relationship. The rugged Yorkshire landscape, which once felt like a prison, becomes the place where he discovers “God’s Own Country”—a place he creates for himself, filled with love and hope.
The reviews
The film God’s Own Country (2017) has been met with near-universal critical acclaim and a robust positive reception from audiences (Rotten Tomatos 98%, Metacritic 85/100 – Universal Acclaim).
The film was frequently, though often carefully, compared to Brokeback Mountain due to the setting and themes, but critics noted that God’s Own Country is a more “modern,” “earthy,” and “intimate” story, less concerned with social homophobia and more with personal self-destruction and emotional armor.
Additionally, critics praised its subtle handling of themes like economic strife, xenophobia (through the migrant worker character, Gheorghe), and the emotional toll of toxic masculinity.
Reviewers often noted the film’s authentic and visceral feel, stating you could “smell the mud” and feel the cold of the countryside, making the emotional breakthrough even more impactful.
Where to Watch
The availability of “God’s Own Country” can differ based on your location. Here are some common ways to watch the film:
Streaming Services (Subscription): It may be available on platforms like AMC+ (depending on your country and platform). It is also sometimes available on library streaming services like Kanopy.
Free Streaming (Ad-Supported): In some regions, it is available to watch for free with ads on services like Tubi or The Roku Channel.
Digital Rental/Purchase: You can typically rent or buy the movie digitally on significant platforms such as:
- Apple TV
- Amazon Video
- Google Play Movies
- Fandango at Home (Vudu)
To find the best and most up-to-date viewing options for where you are, check a local streaming aggregator website like JustWatch or Reelgood.
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Feature photo Credits: © Alamy/Kerala Tourism Department
