The Blind (film)

Last updated
The Blind
The Blind, The True Story of the Robertson Family (2023 film) Poster.png
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAndrew Hyatt
Screenplay by
  • Stephanie Katz
  • Andrew Hyatt
Story byZach Dasher
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyChris Stacey
Edited byJohn Lange
Music bySean Philip Johnson
Production
companies
  • The Blind Production LLC
  • Tread Lively
  • Stacey Films
  • GND Media Group
Distributed by Fathom Events
Release date
  • September 28, 2023 (2023-09-28)
Running time
108 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$17.3 million [1] [2]

The Blind (also known as The Blind: The True Story of the Robertson Family) is a 2023 American Christian biographical drama film directed by Andrew Hyatt, who co-wrote the screenplay with Stephanie Katz. The film details the life of Duck Commander's Phil Robertson and Kay Robertson and their family until 1985, long before their Duck Dynasty fame. [3] [4]

Contents

Plot

The film introduces Phil Robertson (portrayed by Aron Von Andrian) and his friend, Big Al Bolen (played by Connor Tillman), as they engage in duck hunting from a duck blind. Through a series of successive flashbacks, the narrative unfolds to reveal Robertson's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a multimillionaire icon.

Robertson candidly shares the tumultuous chapters of his past, which led him down a path of alcoholism and despair, hindering his potential for success. The film does not shy away from portraying Robertson's missteps, with his friend Big Al often remarking on their recklessness, to which Robertson acknowledges his past errors. One such line after one of the stories by Big Al is "that's a bad move," and Phil responds "one of many."

Key moments highlighted include Robertson's decision to leave behind his wife Kay (portrayed by Amelia Eve) and their children, as well as his missed opportunity for stardom as a high school football hero alongside future NFL star Terry Bradshaw.

However, the story lies in Robertson's journey of redemption thanks to Kay, Pastor Bill Smith (portrayed by John Ales), brother Si (portrayed by Aaron Dalla Villa), and sister Jan (portrayed by Emily DeForest). Through his faith in Jesus and a newfound commitment to his family, he discovers the true meaning of love and perseverance. The film underscores Robertson's unwavering dedication to supporting his loved ones, demonstrating his willingness to do whatever it takes to make amends and forge a brighter future.

Cast

Production

The film was shot in Shreveport, Louisiana in early 2022. [5] Korie Robertson acted as a producer, while Willie Robertson was an executive producer. The Robertson family appeared in a behind the scenes podcast called The Blind Movie Podcast. [6]

Release

The film was released in theaters on September 28, 2023 by Fathom Events. [7]

Box office

The film took first place on its opening day with $844,783 from 1,715 theaters. [8] It went on to debut to $4.1 million finishing in sixth place. [9] [10] In its second weekend, despite losing 401 theaters, the film grossed $4 million (an increase of 12.9%), finishing in fifth. [11]

As of its release The Blind became Fathom Events' highest-grossing domestic theatrical release. [12]

Home media

It was released on digital download on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and other platforms on November 3, 2023, [13] [6] and was officially released on Blu-ray and DVD on November 14 in the US. [14]

Sony Entertainment and Great American Media announced they had streaming rights for the film on Great American Pure Flix, starting on March 22, 2024. [15]

Reception

Mike McGranaghan from The Aisle Seat gave the film a rating of 3/4, noting that Phil Robertson's fans and even those less familiar with him may find it enjoyable and insightful. [16] Avi Offer of NYC Movie Guru described it as a "genuinely heartfelt, honest, and inspirational emotional journey well worth taking." [17] However, Roger Moore of Movie Nation had a less favorable opinion, giving the film a rating of 1.5/4, expressing that it lacked overall fact-checking quality. [18]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West Monroe, Louisiana</span> City in Louisiana, United States

West Monroe is a city in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is situated on the Ouachita River, across from the neighboring city of Monroe. The two cities are often referred to as the Twin Cities of northeast Louisiana. Its population was 13,065 at the 2010 census and it is part of the Monroe Metropolitan Statistical Area. The mayor is Staci Albritton Mitchell.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A&E (TV network)</span> American cable and satellite television channel

A&E is an American basic cable network and the flagship television property of A&E Networks. The network was originally founded in 1984 as the Arts & Entertainment Network, initially focusing on fine arts, documentaries, dramas, and educational entertainment. Today, the network deals primarily in non-fiction programming, including reality docusoaps, true crime, documentaries, and miniseries.

<i>The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires</i> 1974 film

The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires is a 1974 martial arts horror film directed by Roy Ward Baker. The film opens in 1804, when seven vampires clad in gold masks are resurrected by Count Dracula. A century later, Professor Van Helsing, known in the world for his exploits with Dracula, is recruited by a man and his seven siblings after giving a lecture at a Chinese university to take on the vampires. The film is a British-Hong Kong co-production between Hammer Film Productions and Shaw Brothers Studio.

<i>Moon Over Miami</i> (film) 1941 film by Walter Lang

Moon Over Miami is a 1941 American musical film directed by Walter Lang, with Betty Grable and Don Ameche in leading roles and co-starring Robert Cummings, Carole Landis, Jack Haley, and Charlotte Greenwood. It was adapted from the play by Stephen Powys. The original movie was a 1938 film directed by William A. Seiter titled Three Blind Mice starring Loretta Young, Joel McCrea and David Niven

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Wendkos</span> American film / tv director (1925–2009)

Abraham Paul Wendkos was an American television and film director.

<i>Howard the Duck</i> (film) 1986 American superhero comedy film by Willard Huyck

Howard the Duck is a 1986 American superhero comedy film directed by Willard Huyck and starring Lea Thompson, Jeffrey Jones, and Tim Robbins. Based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, the film was produced by Gloria Katz and written by Huyck and Katz, with George Lucas as executive producer. The screenplay was originally intended to be an animated film, but the film adaptation became live-action because of a contractual obligation. While several TV adaptations of Marvel characters were aired, this was the first theatrical release since the Captain America serial of 1944.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian media</span> Multimedia genre and format featuring Christian morals

Christian media, alternatively referred to as inspirational, faith and family, or simply Christian, is a cross-media genre that features a Christian message or moral. Several creative studios and mass media formats are considered to be aspects of Christian media, including media organizations, a characteristic film industry, musical genres, radio formats, TV formats, and subgenres.

<i>The Blind Side</i> (film) 2009 film by John Lee Hancock

The Blind Side is a 2009 American sports drama film written and directed by John Lee Hancock. Based on the 2006 book of the same name by Michael Lewis, the film tells the story of Michael Oher, a football offensive lineman who overcame an impoverished upbringing to play in the National Football League (NFL) with the help of Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy. It stars Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne, Tim McGraw as Sean, and Quinton Aaron as Oher.

<i>Duck Dynasty</i> American reality TV series

Duck Dynasty was an American reality television series that aired on A&E from 2012 to 2017. The series portrays the lives of the Robertson family, who became successful from their family-operated business, Duck Commander. The West Monroe, Louisiana business makes products for duck hunters, primarily a duck call called Duck Commander. The Robertson men – brothers Phil and Si, and Phil's sons Jase, Willie, and Jep – are known for their long beards and their Christian views. The family was previously featured on the Duckmen series, and Outdoor Channel's Benelli Presents Duck Commander and its Buck Commander spin-off.

<i>Duck Commander</i> American hunting products company and media franchise

Duck Commander is an American hunting and outdoor recreation company in West Monroe, Louisiana. Founded by Phil Robertson, a football quarterback at Louisiana Tech University, he developed and patented the company's namesake duck call the Duck Commander. He began his business in a dilapidated boat, where he spent 25 years making duck calls from Louisiana cedar trees. Phil and Miss Kay's third son Willie Robertson is the company's chief executive officer. Willie and his wife Korie expanded the business into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Besides duck-hunting equipment, they also manufacture deer-hunting merchandise under the Buck Commander brand, fishing gear with their Fin Commander brand, and turkey-hunting merchandise under the Strut Commander brand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Willie Robertson</span> American television personality, author, businessperson and television producer

Willie Jess Robertson is an American TV personality, businessman, author and news contributor. He is best known for his appearances on the reality TV series Duck Dynasty on A&E, and is the current CEO of the company Duck Commander. Robertson lives in West Monroe, Louisiana, with his wife Korie and his children: John Luke, Sadie, Will, Rowdy, Bella, and Rebecca.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phil Robertson</span> American professional hunter, businessman and reality television star

Phil Alexander Robertson is an American professional hunter, businessman, and reality television star on the popular television series Duck Dynasty. He is also featured on the television show Duck Commander, a hunting program on the Outdoor Channel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jase Robertson</span> American tv personality (b.1969)

Jason SilasRobertson is an American television personality, businessman, and professional duck hunter. He developed several of Duck Commander's duck calls, and co-starred in the A&E reality television show Duck Dynasty and Fox Entertainment's Duck Family Treasure. He is the co-host of the podcast Unashamed alongside his father Phil Robertson and brother Alan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Si Robertson</span> American television personality

Silas Merritt Robertson, known as Si Robertson and often referred to as "Uncle Si", is an American television personality, veteran, and a retired reed maker for duck calls at Duck Commander. He is best known for his role on A&E's Duck Dynasty, on which he has emerged as a breakout cast member. He has also appeared on other shows such as the Outdoor Channel's Buck Commander and The Duckmen of Louisiana, and was the eponymous host of the Duck Dynasty spin-off Going Si-Ral. Si has also made a guest appearance on Last Man Standing, and in Big Idea Entertainment's Veggie Tales episode Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas as Silas the Narrator.

<i>Gods Not Dead</i> (film) 2014 film by Harold Cronk

God's Not Dead is a 2014 American Christian drama film directed by Harold Cronk and starring Kevin Sorbo, Shane Harper, David A. R. White, and Dean Cain. Written by Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman from a story they co-wrote with Hunter Dennis, and based on Rice Broocks' book God's Not Dead: Evidence for God in an Age of Uncertainty, the film follows a Christian college student (Harper) whose faith is challenged by a misotheist philosophy professor (Sorbo), who declares God a pre-scientific fiction. The film was produced by Pure Flix Entertainment in association with Check the Gate Productions, Red Entertainment Group, and Faith Family Films, and released theatrically on March 21, 2014, by Freestyle Releasing.

<i>Si-cology 1</i>

Si-cology 1: Tales and Wisdom from Duck Dynasty's Favorite Uncle is an autobiography by American television personality Silas Robertson, co-written by Mark Schlabach.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kay Robertson</span> American reality television actress

Marsha Kay Carroway Robertson is an American television personality, best known for her appearances on the A&E reality series Duck Dynasty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sadie Robertson</span> American television personality (born 1997)

Sadie Carroway Robertson Huff is an American Christian speaker, actress, businesswoman, podcaster, and author. She rose to fame on the A&E reality television show Duck Dynasty. She is a prominent Christian social media personality and host of WHOA, That's Good podcast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Korie Robertson</span> American reality television personality

Korie Howard Robertson is a reality television star on the A&E show Duck Dynasty.

<i>The Deep Ones</i> 2020 film directed by Chad Ferrin

The Deep Ones is a 2020 American horror science fiction film written and directed by Chad Ferrin and based on H.P. Lovecraft's 1931 novel The Shadow over Innsmouth. The film stars Gina La Piana, Robert Miano, Johann Urb, Silvia Spross, Jackie Debatin, Nicolas Coster and was produced by Chad Ferrin, Gina La Piana, Robert Miano and Jeff Olan. It was premiered at Sitges Film Festival on October 10, 2020. The film is about a couple recovering from a recent miscarriage that encounters overly friendly locals and strange goings-on at a coastal getaway.

References

  1. ↑ "The Blind". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  2. ↑ "The Blind (2023)". The Numbers. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  3. ↑ Holz, Adam R. "The Blind". PluggedIn. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  4. ↑ Carrol, Rob (4 October 2023). "'Duck Dynasty' Movie Director Promises 'Deep, Dark' Secret Background of Phil Robertson". Taste of Country. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  5. ↑ Hilburn, Greg. "'The Blind' movie tells the stormy story of Phil Robertson before 'Duck Dynasty'". Shreveport Times. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  6. 1 2 Christensen, Kynlee (November 7, 2023). "You Can Now Watch "The Blind" At Home". Country Rebel - Unapologetically Country. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  7. ↑ Rouse, Isaac (27 September 2023). "New 'Duck Dynasty' Movie 'The Blind' Tells Phil Robertson Origin Story". TV Insider. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  8. ↑ "Duck Dynasty's The Blind Lands Top 5 Spot At Box Office". Movieguide. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  9. ↑ Childress, Erik. "Weekend Box Office Results: Paw Patrol Fetches No. 1 Opening". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  10. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (October 1, 2023). "'PAW Patrol 2' Is The Top Dog At Box Office With $23M Opening – Sunday AM Update". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  11. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (October 8, 2023). "The Devil Is In The Details: Making Sense Of 'The Exorcist: Believer's $27M+ Opening After Universal & Blumhouse Shelled Out $400M For Franchise – Sunday AM Update". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  12. ↑ Goldsmith, Jill (October 23, 2023). "The Blind Is Now Fathom Events Highest-Grossing Release Ever". Deadline. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  13. ↑ Marnell, Blair (November 2, 2023). "What's new on VOD and Digital in November 2023". Digital Trends. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  14. ↑ "The Blind Blu-ray". Blu-ray.com. October 2, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  15. ↑ Mayer, Marissa (March 7, 2024). "Celebrate Easter by Watching 'The Blind' Coming Soon to Great American Pure Flix!". Great American Pure Flix. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  16. ↑ McGranaghan, Mike. "The Blind". The Aisle Seat. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  17. ↑ "Reviews for September 29th, 2023". nycmovieguru.com. Retrieved 2023-10-21.
  18. ↑ Moore, Roger (October 2023). "Movie Review: A Duck Dynasty's origin myth is related in "The Blind"". Movie Nation. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.