The film seems more interested in pushing an environmentalist message than developing its characters with much nuance. It does touch on corporate malfeasance, but characters feel thin and motivated by their archetypes, the big business shill or the pure-hearted activist. Identity politics isn’t the focus, but the story’s ideological bent sometimes comes at the expense of realism or complexity.

Promised Land doesn’t aggressively undermine religion or family, but it certainly frames traditional rural values and small-town skepticism as naive or in need of enlightenment. Masculinity and traditional morality aren’t directly attacked, but there’s subtle condescension towards small-town ways.

The film pretty clearly takes a side, positioning anti-fracking ideals as unquestionably noble and painting those who disagree in a less flattering light. There are few moments where alternative viewpoints get a fair hearing. Traditional or pro-industry views are largely straw-manned or caricatured.