hope, we begin the new year. in the world to come, us—based norwegian film—maker mona fastvold captures an intense romantic relationship set against the bleak, unforgiving backdrop of 19th—century frontier life. when the day is done, my mind turns to her, and i think... "why are we to be separated?" adapted from a story byjim shepard, who shares screenwriting credits with ron hansen, the film follows the fortunes — or misfortunes — of two couples living on remote farms in schoharie county. it's a tough existence, with narrator abigail, played by katherine waterston, recording the daily grind in her diary — a monotone document of a life filled with hardship, tinged with grief, and notably lacking in love. until, that is, abigail's neighbour, tallie, played by vanessa kirby, arrives on her doorstep, stirring long—dormant emotions.