Josh O’Connor’s “unmissable” British drama is streaming for free
Josh O’Connor’s 2017 breakout performance in the independent drama God’s Own Country is now available to stream for free on ITVX for viewers in the UK. Directed by Francis Lee, the film earned critical acclaim, including a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and helped establish O’Connor as a prominent actor years before his role in the Netflix series The Crown.
What is the story of God’s Own Country?
The film follows Johnny Saxby, a young sheep farmer in Yorkshire portrayed by Josh O’Connor. His isolated life shifts when a Romanian migrant worker, Gheorghe Ionescu, played by Alec Secăreanu, arrives to assist during the lambing season. As the two men work together, they develop a romantic relationship that forces them to confront their personal biases, views on masculinity, and the pressures of managing a farm.
Did You Know? God’s Own Country marked the directorial debut of Francis Lee, who later directed the queer romance Ammonite, which featured performances by Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan.
How did critics receive the film?
Critics widely praised the drama, with the film holding a “Certified Fresh” status on Rotten Tomatoes based on 131 reviews. The San Francisco Chronicle described the feature as a “universal tale about giving yourself over to love,” while The New York Times noted its “rough magic” and “slow, unsteady arc from bitter to hopeful.” O’Connor and Secăreanu’s performances were specifically highlighted, with The Hollywood Reporter calling their work “stirring” and the Boston Globe labeling it “aching.”
Expert Insight: The significance of early career works
Expert Insight: The resurgence of God’s Own Country highlights the common industry trend of audiences revisiting an actor’s early independent work after they reach mainstream success. For O’Connor, who has recently appeared in high-profile projects like Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, this film serves as a foundational piece of his filmography. It is likely that viewers interested in his current trajectory will continue to seek out these formative performances as his career profile expands.
Where can viewers watch other Josh O’Connor films?
Beyond God’s Own Country, several of O’Connor’s projects are available on various platforms. His role as Father Jud in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is currently on Netflix. The Mastermind, in which O’Connor stars as an art forger, is available on Mubi. Additionally, La chimera, directed by Alice Rohrwacher, is streaming for free on BBC iPlayer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is God’s Own Country available to watch for free in the UK?
Yes, the film is currently available to stream for free on ITVX for UK-based viewers.
Who are the lead actors in the film?
The film stars Josh O’Connor as Johnny Saxby and Alec Secăreanu as Gheorghe Ionescu.
What awards did the film win?
God’s Own Country won the World Cinema Directing Award at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
Which of Josh O’Connor’s performances do you find most compelling in his recent work?