Synopsis
An aging Tennessee farmer returns to his homestead and must confront a family betrayal, the reappearance of an old enemy, and the loss of his farm.
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Cast
- Hal HolbrookAbner Meecham
- Ray McKinnonLonzo Choat
- Mia WasikowskaPamela Choat
- Carrie PrestonLudie Choat
- Walton GogginsPaul Meecham
- Barry CorbinThurl Chessor
- Dixie CarterEllen Meecham
Recommendations
- 100
Los Angeles Times
It's hard to believe, but Hal Holbrook, one of the stage and screen's enduring talents, has never had the solo lead in a feature film. That has been duly rectified with the actor's achingly memorable star performance in the superb That Evening Sun. - 90
Film Threat
Halbrook absolutely nails the lead role of Mr. Abner Meecham, the headstrong farmer whose lips can’t form the words “give up.” - 90
Variety
Deliberately paced, richly atmospheric drama also boasts first-rate work by a splendid supporting cast and impressive production values. - 80
The Hollywood Reporter
A moving if too-leisurely paced effort that benefits immeasurably from the superb performance by its 84-year-old star. - 75
Entertainment Weekly
Holbrook makes Abner a shining-eyed, noble crank. - 75
New York Post
There are a lot of grace notes in That Evening Sun, including Barry Corbin's hilarious work as Abner's neighbor, a vivid sense of landscape and a visually arresting climax. - 70
Village Voice
More than once, the director inserts a gooey flashback to a tender moment between the farmer and his late wife (Dixie Carter) that not only extends an already overlong movie, but also fatally undercuts the artful rigor of its leading man. - 70
The New York Times
Hal Holbrook strips the stereotype of the grumpy old man of sentimental shtick and cutesy old-codger mannerisms.
