Earl Pilcher Jr. runs an equipment rental outfit in Arkansas, lives with his wife and kids and parents, and rarely takes off his gimme cap. His mother dies, leaving a letter explaining he's not her natural son, but the son of a Black woman who died in childbirth; plus, he has a half brother Ray, in Chicago, she wants him to visit. Earl makes the trip, initially receiving a cold welcome from Ray and Ray's son, Virgil. His birth mother's sister, Aunt T., an aged and blind matriarch, takes Earl in tow and insists that the family open up to him.
Directed by Richard Pearce
letter
arkansas
birth
biracial
matriarchy
IMDB
N/A
Letterboxd
3.4 / 5
Where to Watch
Cast
Robert Duvall
Earl Pilcher Jr.
James Earl Jones
Ray Murdock
Michael Beach
Virgil
Irma P. Hall
Aunt T.
Grace Zabriskie
Ruby
Regina Taylor
Ann
David Keith
Sonny
Xander Berkeley
Sunburned Man
Jacqueline Williams
Woman at Hospital
Mary Jackson
Carrie
Paula Marshall
Karen
Phillip Edward Van Lear
Club Manager
Crew
Richard Pearce
Director
Billy Bob Thornton
Writer
Charles Gross
Original Music Composer
Robert Duvall
Producer
Todd Black
Producer
Randa Haines
Producer
Jason White
Extras Casting Assistant
Rick LeFevour
Stunt Coordinator
Craig Huston
First Assistant Director
Victoria Thomas
Casting
Scott Ferguson
Associate Producer
Popular Reviews
4 reviews
T
6.0★ · 07/26/25
RIP James Earl Jones. This has a powerful third act
RIP James Earl Jones. This has a powerful third act
