New Jerusalem Poster

New Jerusalem 2011

★ 5.88 votes94 min📅 2011-11-06

In *New Jerusalem* (2011), director Rick Alverson crafts a stark drama exploring the collision of faith and fragility through the lens of post-war trauma.

Director: Rick Alverson

Cast

Will Oldham
Will Oldham
Ike Evans
Colm O'Leary
Sean Murphy
Walter Scott
Walt
Roxanne Ferris
Store clerk
Courtney Bowles
Waitress
Ryan O'Neill
Ike's Friend
Chris Dovi
Ike's Friend
Eddie Prendergast
Ike's Friend
Ricky Goran
Ike's Friend

Frequently Asked Questions

What is New Jerusalem (2011) about?

The film follows Sean, a soldier grappling with the aftermath of war, who crosses paths with Ike, an evangelical determined to guide him toward spiritual salvation. Their tense dynamic explores themes of redemption, fragility, and the struggle to find purpose amidst chaos.

Who directed New Jerusalem?

Rick Alverson directed *New Jerusalem*, bringing a minimalist yet intense approach to the drama.

Who stars in New Jerusalem?

The film features Will Oldham as Sean, Colm O'Leary as Ike, and Walter Scott, Roxanne Ferris, and Courtney Bowles in supporting roles.

Is New Jerusalem (2011) worth watching?

*New Jerusalem* is a thoughtful, if challenging, watch for fans of slow-burn character studies. Its themes of trauma and faith resonate strongly, though its uncompromising pace may not suit all viewers.

How long is New Jerusalem?

The film runs for 94 minutes.

About New Jerusalem (2011) — A raw drama on trauma and faith after war

In *New Jerusalem* (2011), director Rick Alverson crafts a stark drama exploring the collision of faith and fragility through the lens of post-war trauma. Will Oldham stars as Sean, a soldier returning from Afghanistan, whose fragile mental state becomes the focal point of a tense, dialogue-driven narrative. Colm O'Leary plays Ike, a fervent evangelical who sees Sean's vulnerability as an opportunity for redemption, leading to a psychological tug-of-war between spirituality and survival. The film's atmosphere is thick with unease, as Alverson strips away excess to focus on raw performances and the quiet desperation of a man caught between salvation and self-destruction.

Set against a backdrop of sparse, desolate landscapes, the movie delves into themes of isolation, belief, and the search for meaning in a world that feels increasingly fragmented. With a runtime of 94 minutes, *New Jerusalem* unfolds like a slow-burning meditation on what it means to heal—or fail to heal—after the horrors of war. The cast delivers understated yet powerful portrayals, making this indie drama a compelling watch for fans of character-driven cinema.