Promised Land

Promised Land

Year: 2012

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: Gus Van Sant

Drama

Two sales representatives travel to a rural town to secure a lucrative deal for a natural gas company. They encounter unexpected opposition from a dedicated schoolteacher and a passionate community leader who are committed to safeguarding their town's environment and way of life. As the sales team faces growing resistance, they are forced to confront the ethical implications of their work and the true cost of progress.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Promised Land yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Promised Land (2012)

Trace every key event in Promised Land (2012) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Arrival in Pennsylvania

Steve Butler and his partner Sue Thomason arrive in a small Pennsylvania farming community, on a mission for Global Cross Power Solutions. Their goal is to secure contracts from local landowners for natural gas extraction, a process that they believe will benefit the community financially.

Pennsylvania
2

Shopping at the Local Store

Upon their arrival, Butler insists on wearing his grandfather's old boots as they visit a local shop run by Rob to buy clothes. This moment highlights Butler's humble beginnings, as he attempts to blend into the rural environment while preparing to negotiate with the farmers.

Local Shop, Pennsylvania
3

Meeting the Local Farmers

Butler and Thomason start meeting local farmers, who are deeply concerned about losing their ancestral lands due to the fracking proposal. These farmers struggle to maintain their heritage and express their apprehensions about the potential impact on their farming community.

Farming Community, Pennsylvania
4

Butler's Reflection

Butler reflects on his past experiences growing up in a similar town devastated by industry closures, like the Caterpillar assembly plant. His insights lead him to realize that family farming alone may not sustain the town's future, underlining the challenges faced by these communities.

Nostalgic Memory of Home
5

First Farmer Encounter

During their first encounter with a farmer, Butler makes bold promises about wealth and prosperity in exchange for signature approval. This encounter sets the tone for the tension that will escalate as the farmers begin to realize the implications of such agreements.

6

Tension with Local Supervisors

A meeting with Supervisor Gerry Richards reveals the brewing tensions in the town. Butler attempts to ease the concerns of Richards, proposing a $30,000 offer, which is met with skepticism and demands for more, highlighting the growing resistance.

Local Government Office
7

Connection with Alice

That evening, Butler visits a local bar where he meets Alice, a teacher who challenges him in a drinking game. After a night of revelry, Butler wakes up in her home, setting the stage for a complicated personal relationship amid turmoil.

Local Bar, Pennsylvania
8

Town Meeting Chaos

At a town meeting, Supervisor Richards tries to convince locals to support Global's proposal, but concerns about fracking safety arise. Frank Yates, a local science teacher, raises compelling points about the potential risks, swaying the crowd's opinion.

Town Hall, Pennsylvania
9

Emergence of Dustin Noble

Dustin Noble appears during the discussions, identifying himself as an environmental activist. His presence poses a significant threat to Butler's project, as he begins rallying community support against Global's practices.

10

Noble's Evidence

Noble visits Yates and presents shocking images of dead cattle to illustrate the devastating effects of drilling. This moment amplifies the growing distrust in Global and introduces the ethical dilemmas surrounding the fracking operations.

11

Public Rallying Against Global

Noble’s impassioned speech at an open mic night resonates with the locals, leading to a surge of opposition towards Global's proposal. Their collective fear of losing family farms enhances the community's resolve, presenting a formidable challenge to Butler.

Community Center, Pennsylvania
12

Confrontation with Noble

Butler and Thomason confront Noble with a hefty donation in an attempt to influence him. Noble rejects their plea and further galvanizes the community against Global, demonstrating the ineffectiveness of their corporate strategies.

13

Escalating Conflict

As the conflict escalates, Noble educates school children about the dangers of fracking. His emotional appeal stirs the community's collective fears, leaving a lasting impression and deepening Butler's internal conflict.

14

Butler's Reckoning

During a final town meeting, Butler exposes Noble's manipulation while grappling with the moral implications of his role at Global. He faces a potential fallout, realizing the impact of corporate greed on community integrity.

Town Hall, Pennsylvania
15

Reflection with Alice

In the aftermath, Butler seeks solace with Alice, reflecting on his tumultuous journey. As he comes to terms with the consequences of his choices, he must balance the desire for profit against the urgent needs and values of the community he came to serve.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 21:45

Unlock the Full Story of Promised Land

Don't stop at just watching — explore Promised Land in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Promised Land is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Promised Land Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Promised Land, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Promised Land Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Promised Land

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Promised Land. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Promised Land

More About Promised Land

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Promised Land: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Promised Land

Similar Movies to Promised Land

Discover movies like Promised Land that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.