In the Land of Saints and Sinners is a 2023 Irish action thriller film directed by Robert Lorenz. The story is set in Ireland during the 1970s, when political violence was common.The cast features several well-known actors, each playing a key role in the movie’s tense and dramatic plot.
Main Cast and Their Characters
Here are the main actors in In the Land of Saints and Sinners and the characters they portray:
Liam Neeson as Finbar Murphy
Liam Neeson plays Finbar Murphy, a former hitman (assassin) who is trying to live a quiet, peaceful life in a small seaside Irish village. Finbar has a dark past, but he wants to leave violence behind.
Kerry Condon as Doireann McCann
Kerry Condon plays Doireann McCann, the leader of a small IRA (Irish Republican) group. Doireann is ruthless and dangerous. Condon’s performance has been praised for its intensity and emotional depth.
Jack Gleeson as Kevin Lynch
Jack Gleeson (famously known from Game of Thrones) plays Kevin Lynch, a younger, more impulsive member of Doireann’s gang. Kevin is ambitious and often clashes with others in the group.
Ciarán Hinds as Vincent “Vinnie” O’Shea
Ciarán Hinds plays Vinnie O’Shea, a local Garda (police officer) or a figure who is deeply connected to the community and its secrets. His character brings wisdom and moral weight to the story.
Colm Meaney as Robert McQue
Colm Meaney plays Robert McQue, a local crime boss. Finbar works for McQue in his hitman days, and their relationship is complicated — McQue is powerful, but Finbar has to face his own conscience.
Sarah Greene as Sinéad Dougan
Sarah Greene plays Sinéad Dougan, a woman living in the small Irish village. Sinéad has a personal connection to some of the key characters, and she represents the innocence and everyday life that Finbar longs to protect.
Desmond Eastwood as Curtis June
Desmond Eastwood plays Curtis June, one of the IRA gang members. Curtis is part of the violent group, but his character also has moments of vulnerability.
Conor MacNeill as Conan McGrath
Conor MacNeill acts as Conan McGrath, another member of Doireann’s crew. Conan plays a role in the group’s internal conflicts.
Seamus O’Hara as Séamus McKenna
Seamus O’Hara plays Séamus McKenna, yet another member of the IRA cell. His character is part of the past that catches up with Finbar.
Niamh Cusack as Rita Quinn
Niamh Cusack plays Rita Quinn, a woman who knows Finbar from the village.She brings a softer, more personal side to Finbar’s life.
Valentine Olukoga as Hasan Bello
Valentine Olukoga plays Hasan Bello, a supporting character. There is not a lot of detail about him in public sources, but his role adds to the tension in the film.
Mark O’Regan as Bart McGuinness
Mark O’Regan plays Bart McGuinness. His character is part of the community, giving a fuller picture of village life.
Anne Brogan as Josie McQue
Anne Brogan acts as Josie McQue, likely a family member of Robert McQue. Her presence adds depth to McQue’s character.
Supporting Cast
In addition to the main actors, there are other supporting cast members:
- Laura Hughes as Catherine O’Shea
- Michelle Gleeson as Moya, a young girl in the village
- Bernadette Carty as Mother (in pub scenes)
- Joe Gallagher as Mr Wright, and Tim Landers as Official, among others.
These supporting characters help build the world of the movie — showing the small-town life, the tension among villagers, and the threat posed by Doireann’s group.
Why the Cast Matters
The cast of In the Land of Saints and Sinners is strong and well chosen. Liam Neeson brings gravitas to the role of Finbar, making his struggle believable. Kerry Condon’s performance as a determined and ruthless woman makes Doireann a real threat. Jack Gleeson plays a younger man with ambition but also weakness.
Ciarán Hinds, Colm Meaney, Sarah Greene, and the rest of the cast make the story richer. Their characters are not just background — they help to show different facets of the conflict and personal drama in the village. The mix of veteran actors and younger performers gives the film depth.
Setting and Background
The movie is set in 1974, in a remote Irish coastal village called Glencolmcille, in County Donegal. The historical setting is important — it’s a time of political violence, and the presence of the IRA gang brings danger.
Finbar’s quiet life clashes with the violence of Doireann’s group. This conflict is at the heart of the film, and the cast makes this tension feel real.
Critical Reception of the Cast
Critics and audiences have pointed out that the cast delivers solid performances. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie’s cast and their roles are described in its “Cast & Crew” section. In reviews, Kerry Condon is often praised for her powerful and chilling portrayal of Doireann.
Jack Gleeson, who used to be King Joffrey in Game of Thrones, surprises viewers with this role. Many say he is “nearly unrecognizable” as Kevin Lynch, and yet he brings strong energy to the part.
FAQs
Q1: Who is the lead actor in this movie?
A: The lead actor is Liam Neeson, who plays Finbar Murphy, a retired assassin trying to find peace.
Q2: Which actress plays the main antagonist?
A: Kerry Condon plays Doireann McCann, the leader of a dangerous IRA cell.
Q3: Is Jack Gleeson in this film?
A: Yes, Jack Gleeson plays Kevin Lynch, a younger and unpredictable member of Doireann’s gang.
Q4: What other well-known Irish actors are in the cast?
A: Other notable actors include Ciarán Hinds (as Vinnie O’Shea) and Colm Meaney (as Robert McQue).
Q5: Are there female characters in the village?
A: Yes, Sarah Greene plays Sinéad Dougan, and Niamh Cusack plays Rita Quinn. These characters show the daily life and relationships in the village.
Q6: Where can I watch this movie?
A: The movie is available to stream on Netflix in some regions.
Conclusion
The cast of In the Land of Saints and Sinners is a strong mix of experienced actors and younger talents. Liam Neeson brings intensity and depth to the central character, while Kerry Condon plays a fierce and determined antagonist. Jack Gleeson, Ciarán Hinds, Colm Meaney, and the rest of the ensemble help to paint a vivid picture of a small Irish village caught in political turmoil.
