The Blind | |
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Directed by | Andrew Hyatt |
Screenplay by |
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Story by | Zach Dasher |
Produced by |
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Starring |
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Cinematography | Chris Stacey |
Edited by | John Lange |
Music by | Sean Philip Johnson |
Production companies |
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Distributed by | Fathom Events |
Release date |
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Running time | 108 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
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]
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.
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]
The film was released in theaters on September 28, 2023 by Fathom Events. [7]
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]
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]
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]