That Evening Sun (2009)

Introduction
"That Evening Sun" is a deeply moving southern drama written and directed by Scott Teems. It was launched in 2009, starring Hal Holbrook, Ray McKinnon, Walton Goggins, and Mia Wasikowska. The movie is based on the short story called "I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down" by William Gay. Its central styles delve into ageism, homecoming, agriculture, and redemption.

Plot
Holbrook plays the lead function of an 80-year-old, stubborn and tough farmer named Abner Meecham. The plot begins when Meecham leaves from an assisted living home after his lawyer boy, Paul (Goggins), sends him there against his will. He believes the world has turned against him, as he's homesick and wishes to return to his farm. Upon returning house, Meecham finds out that his farm is being rented by Lonzo Choat, a local ne'er-do-well played by McKinnon, up until Paul completes its sale.

Dispute and Resolution
Instead of leaving, Meecham chooses to move into the old occupant shack on the residential or commercial property and refuses to leave, which creates a bitter power battle in between him and Choat. Both males are likewise persistent and unwilling to pull back, and their rivalry becomes increasingly dangerous.

As the story unfolds, Meecham meets Choat's family: his partner, Ludie (Carrie Preston), and his child, Pamela (Wasikowska). He finds out of their violent home life under Choat, encouraging his objective to recover his land. Meecham's insistent existence flares up stress between him and Choat, with lashes radiating from both ends. In time, Meecham starts to comprehend the reality of the other side.

The climax comes when a drunken Choat engages Meecham in a violent altercation. Afterwards, Choat's manipulative habits is exposed in front of his own family. Pamela, gaining newfound strength, takes matters into her hands and ends her abuse. The bittersweet conclusion sees Meecham dealing with the loss of his home but finding satisfaction in Choat's expulsion.

Themes
"That Evening Sun" demonstrates how human relationships impact our ties to land and property. Through Meecham and Choat's rivalry, it argues how the love for land can often take precedence over relationships, consisting of family ties. The movie is likewise a critique of the broad gap of social classes in rural Tennessee and all over else, exposing power dynamics between the privileged and the marginalized. It highlights how age doesn't always translate to weak point and how old age might include a fight versus the world to safeguard one's identity.

Awards and Critical Reception
The film won several awards, consisting of the South by Southwest Special Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature, and was chosen for the Independent Spirit Award. Critics applauded Holbrook's poignant efficiency and how wonderfully Teems caught the beautiful charm of rural Tennessee. The writing and storytelling of the film were hailed, with many critics calling it an engaging, unflinching representation of stubbornness, tension, and peaceful rural life.

Conclusion
Grounded in strong characters, captivating efficiencies, and scenic beauty, "That Evening Sun" is a thought-provoking tale that portrays the harsh realities of life on a rural farm. It walks you through a journey of a man defending his rightful place, making you contemplate about the real essence of a house, aging, and the crisis of displacement. It ends up being obvious that physical ownership is not necessarily the secret to belongingness. In essence, "That Evening Sun" is an exceptional representation of rural Southern drama.

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