Story perspectives

Quarantine Crisis Unfolds in Visually Striking Film Adaptation

2/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dara Van Dusen, a Norway-based director, directed Stewart O’Nan's novel adaptation, set in a 1870 Wisconsin frontier town.
Jacob, a sheriff and pastor, faces a diphtheria epidemic after a dead drifter is found, triggering a quarantine debate.
The townspeople wrestle with quarantine decisions as the crisis worsens into a wildfire.
Actor John C. Reilly's performance is praised.
The film is visually striking but fails to deliver on its emotional promises.

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Story summary

Dara Van Dusen, a Norway-based director, directed Stewart O’Nan's novel adaptation, set in a 1870 Wisconsin frontier town.
Jacob, a sheriff and pastor, faces a diphtheria epidemic after a dead drifter is found, triggering a quarantine debate.
The townspeople wrestle with quarantine decisions as the crisis worsens into a wildfire.
Actor John C. Reilly's performance is praised.
The film is visually striking but fails to deliver on its emotional promises.