Synopsis
A motiveless malignancy? Elvis leaves the Navy and heads for Texas where he contacts his father, whom he's never met, the pastor at a Christian community church. Pastor Dave tells Elvis to stay away and, without telling his family that Elvis is his son from a pre-conversion liaison, tells them to have nothing to do with him. But Elvis has already connected with Malerie, the pastor's 16-year old daughter. Elvis embarks on the seduction of Malerie, while Dave examines his conscience and comes to a new conclusion. Can anyone get right with the Lord? Does the Lord hear?
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Cast
- Gael García BernalElvis
- William HurtDavid
- Pell JamesMalerie
- Paul DanoPaul
- Laura HarringTwyla
- Derek AlvaradoScoot
- Monica PeñaBrothel Manager
- Milo AddicaBruno
- Hudson Lee LongOld Man with Hungry Dog
- Cliff StephensSalesman
Recommendations
- 100
The A.V. Club
The King's perception of religion is hardly friendly, but it's only one aspect of a terrific drama, one that ultimately admits that people can be as much of a terrifying mystery as their creator. - 80
Empire
A compelling, intelligent and provocative sins-of-the-father story with a terrific ensemble cast, and a standout Mr. Ripley turn by the ever-versatile Gael García Bernal. - 75
New York Daily News
Surely among the darkest-themed movies ever made. - 70
The Hollywood Reporter
Beautifully shot and well acted, the film might well cause controversy among fundamentalist believers as a provocative allegory challenging the power of faith. - 70
New York Magazine (Vulture)
Has William Hurt ever been this perfectly cast? He uses his groggy self-importance to make the pastor the victim of evil and the very fount of it. - 70
Village Voice
The film survives on a thick diet of genuine acting moments...Probably no other actor (Hurt) standing today could've brought this much juice to such a potentially simplistic character. - 63
TV Guide Magazine
Were there more meat on the bones of this fable about hypocrisy and spiritual hollowness, Marsh's pacing might seem deliberate rather then merely slow. - 50
The New York Times
Fitfully engaging, finally exasperating.
