Ultimately, it comes down to the difference between narrative and advocacy, and advocacy (in most cases) isn't terribly dramatic.

Damon and Krasinski's script isn't completely solid, but it follows a believably wayward path to a lovely, muted ending.

Thee film-makers' sincerity so indisputable, that Promised Land never entirely spins off the rails. It's hard to swallow, but easy to digest.

An important film and a fine addition to the Van Sant filmography.