One way or the other, between “Lionness,” “Tulsa King,” and the various “Yellowstone” spin-offs, Taylor Sheridan finds time to jot down and govt produce “Landman.” The Paramount+ collection has confirmed simply as fashionable as all these different Sheridan reveals, returning for a second season in November 2025 following a vastly profitable first season. Whereas a 3rd run of episodes has already been greenlit, followers wanting extra oil industry-based drama may discover what they’re on the lookout for in “Boomtown,” an underseen 2017 drama that includes a pre-“Superman” Rachel Brosnahan.
To not be confused with the “Boomtown” podcast, on which “Landman” is definitely based mostly, this drama comes courtesy of director Sabyn Mayfield, who in any other case principally directs music movies and brief movies. He is additionally the nephew of Dolly Parton, and in 2021 launched a music video for his music “9 to five to 9,” which samples Parton’s nation pop hit “9 to five.” “Boomtown” represents his function directorial debut, and like Mayfield’s reimagined model of his aunt’s basic, focuses on good outdated hardworking Individuals attempting to offer a secure life for his or her household.
Whereas “Landman” is filled with drama, it is also a ridiculous present filled with soapy twists, engaging girls, and all led by a usually swaggering efficiency from Billy Bob Thornton. “Boomtown,” nonetheless, is a a lot quieter affair that’s rather more within the precise graft concerned with oil rig work and the final hardscrabble nature of the Midwest. Followers of Brosnahan, who performed Lois Lane in James Gunn’s charming crowd-pleaser “Superman,” nonetheless, ought to discover it fascinating to see the actor in a pre-“Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” position that is nothing like her extra high-profile initiatives.
Boomtown is a slower oil drama than Landman
In “Boomtown,” Tyler Riggs performs John “JT” Turner, who leaves his household to journey to Williston, North Dakota, the place the booming oil {industry} gives a possibility for quick cash. The job is tough and JT struggles along with his gruelling new profession, all of which is showcased in lengthy sequences that appear designed as proof of how taxing real-world oil work will be. In the meantime, JT’s father, John Turner Sr. (performed by nation music legend Dwight Yoakam), gives stern recommendation to his son, with whom he is all the time struggled to attach. Then there’s Rachel Brosnahan’s Jamie, an area barmaid with whom JT types a connection that threatens to undermine the very purpose he is in North Dakota within the first place.
Over on Letterboxd, customers aren’t too impressed with “Boomtown.” One viewer writes merely, “Boyd Holbrook, I want I used to be your agent.” That doubtless has to do with the truth that Holbrook is within the film for lower than two minutes whole. However past that, viewers seemingly had points with the movie’s pacing, which, in accordance with many, was far too sluggish to keep up curiosity.
Certainly, there are many pictures of sunsets scored by melancholy acoustic guitars, and for a movie referred to as “Boomtown,” there’s a stunning lack of power. Nonetheless, followers of modern-day alt-folk legend John Moreland ought to be glad to listen to his music peppered all through the movie, although it too principally accompanies sweeping pictures of midwestern landscapes. That stated, there’s a sure rawness to Mayfield’s film, which feels genuine in its personal approach. Riggs and Brosnahan — who’s set to return as Lois Lane in James Gunn’s “Superman” sequel — are equally plausible, doing strong jobs of portraying two downtrodden souls for whom the American Dream by no means fairly labored out.
Followers of Landman’s extra grounded elements will doubtless get pleasure from Boomtown
Although his present is predicated on a podcast that explores the actual Texas oil {industry}, “Landman” co-creator Christian Wallace has spoken about why the show can’t be completely realistic. It primarily comes all the way down to the truth that he and his co-creator, Taylor Sheridan, are attempting to inform a compelling story that entertains greater than it informs. That stated, the oil work scenes within the present do convey a sure realism, which comes from Wallace’s experiences engaged on precise oil rigs and his work on the “Boomtown” podcast. However there is not any doubt viewers are tuning in for greater than genuine oil rig sequences.
Billy Bob Thornton’s legal drama series “Goliath” is a great show for “Landman” fans who discover the star and the heightened drama to be the primary points of interest. These desirous to see a extra genuine depiction of oil rig work, nonetheless, may discover one thing to love in “Boomtown,” which spends a considerable amount of its runtime specializing in the specificities of JT’s job and showcasing the real-world areas wherein the movie is about. Followers of Rachel Brosnahan, in the meantime, ought to discover her pretty temporary flip as Jamie fulfilling, because it showcases a extra restrained, naturalistic strategy from the actor who has since gone on to a lot larger initiatives.
If that appeals, the movie is offered to look at on Prime Video at no further price for subscribers. However “Boomtown” may also be seen totally free on each Tubi and Pluto, each of that are quick changing into two of the best streaming services obtainable.
