‘In the Land of Saints and Sinners’ Ending, Explained

by

Warning: Spoilers for In the Land of Saints and Sinners.

1974, amidst the turbulence of Northern Ireland, the novel “In the Land of Saints and Sinners” unfolds a compelling narrative about Finbar (Liam Neeson), a hitman who, after years of taking lives, seeks to leave behind his criminal past. Residing in the peaceful Irish village of Gleann Cholm Cille, Finbar attempts to settle into a tranquil life tending to gardens and enjoying the company of his affectionate neighbor, Rita (Niamh Cusack). However, he’s compelled to emerge from retirement when a band of IRA members choose to hide in his seemingly insignificant town. Following the detonation of a car bomb in Belfast that claimed the lives of six individuals, including three children, Doireann (Kerry Condon) and her associates, Curtis (Desmond Eastwood), Conan (Conor MacNeill), and Séamus (Seamus O’Hara), take refuge in this picturesque locale.

As relatives of the town’s bartender, Sinead (Sarah Greene), and her daughter, Moya (Michelle Gleeson), they had been using Sinead’s home as a safe haven, despite her misgivings. However, their secret living arrangement didn’t last long before they were found out. When Finbar noticed that Moya was being brutally mistreated by Curtis, he felt compelled to eliminate another wicked man from the world. Initially unaware of Curtis’ ties to the IRA, Finbar’s previous boss, Robert (Colm Meaney), cautioned him against interfering. He warned that the entire town could face repercussions from the IRA if he got involved. Nevertheless, Finbar managed to trick Curtis into his car with assistance from Kevin (Jack Gleeson), a young associate, and buried him in a secluded woodland area, along with other bodies he had disposed of during his tenure as Robert’s hired hand.

How Does Doireann Find Out About Curtis?

Following Finbar’s alleged disposal of Curtis, it doesn’t take the group long to notice his absence. Since Finbar is a frequent drinker, Conan and Séamus initially assume that something harmless, such as a hangover or an unexplained return home, has happened to Curtis. Thus, they initially dismiss his disappearance. However, Doireann, Curtis’ sister, senses something amiss and starts searching for him. Upon contacting her IRA associate, she learns of Robert, who might have information about Curtis’ whereabouts.

When Doireann comes to see him, Robert tells her that sadly, her brother has passed away, yet he’s vague about the circumstances. However, it appears Robert is being untruthful and unwilling to share details regarding Finbar’s part in the events. But then, when Doireann finds a distinctive bullet on the floor, she becomes suspicious as this bullet matches one that’s missing from Curtis’ gun. This bullet wound up at Robert’s place because Finbar had brought it there after he pieced together that Curtis had given it to Moya as a means of intimidation to keep her quiet.

In a hurry, Robert informs Doireann about Finbar. Nevertheless, she takes aim and shoots him regardless. Later, she sets out to locate Finbar, but finds his home empty. While they were away, Finbar and Kevin hid nearby, watching the others in Finbar’s house. Eventually, Doireann and Finbar run into each other in town and arrange a meeting at the pub that night, with Doireann expecting to confront the person who hired the hit on her brother. However, unbeknownst to Doireann, Finbar had killed Curtis himself and believed he would be meeting the individual responsible for hiring the hit. In reality, Finbar’s intention was to eliminate Doireann and her allies while simultaneously protecting Gleann Cholm Cille from any potential repercussions from the IRA for his actions.

Does Gleann Cholm Cille Face Retaliation for Finbar’s Actions?

In preparation for what he thinks is imminent death, Finbar takes care of his matters. He hands over his cat to Moya before parting with all his money to Kevin, urging him to pursue his aspirations in California. With a time bomb strapped around his waist as a precaution, Finbar visits Doireann at the pub. Without his knowledge, she and others have their own precautions, having planted an explosive device in a briefcase in case the circumstances take a turn for the worse.

As Finbar starts confessing his involvement in Curtis’ death to Doireann, Kevin steps in and confesses too, seemingly trying to make amends with Finbar. However, Doireann unexpectedly shoots Kevin, leading to a chaotic gun battle inside the pub. Finbar hadn’t foreseen this, and everyone scatters. The pub is filled with flying bullets. Finbar wrestles with Conan, but Conan ends up dead. Kevin manages to shoot Doireann, but she, in turn, kills him. Séamus tries to set off the bomb within the pub, but it detonates prematurely outside the doors, taking Séamus’ life instead.

After the skirmish, it appears that Finbar has come through unscathed, whereas Doireann has taken a serious beating. She flees towards a nearby church, followed by Finbar. Tragically, she succumbs to her injuries in his presence. He later lays her to rest beside her brother, ensuring neither is left alone. Subsequently, Finbar gathers his belongings and takes his leave from the neighborhood, departing Gleann Cholm Cille for good. With his exit following such a violent episode within the small community, the situation seems to have been resolved, and the village may avoid any reprisals for Finbar’s actions against Curtis. The screen fades to black as he drives away, with the series “In the Land of Saints and Sinners” currently available on Prime Video.

Read More

2025-01-14 02:31