That Evening Sun 2009

Drama

Rank

#5,261

Box Office

$281K

Runtime

110 min

Language

English

Directed by

Scott Teems

Made by

Freestyle Releasing

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That Evening Sun Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for That Evening Sun (2009). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Abner Meecham, an elderly farmer from Tennessee, finds himself abandoned in a nursing home by his lawyer son, Paul. Determined to reclaim his independence, he escapes the facility and makes his way back to his beloved farm, yearning for tranquility in his remaining days. However, upon arrival, Abner is shocked to learn that Paul has leased the property to an old adversary, Lonzo Choat, and his family.

Refusing to submit quietly to this injustice, Abner takes up residence in the tenant shack on his land, boldly asserting that he won’t vacate until the farm is returned to him. Lonzo, however, shows no signs of conceding. Tensions escalate when Abner witnesses Lonzo violently disciplining his daughter after she is caught on a date with a boy her parents disapprove of. In an attempt to defend her, Abner fires a warning shot, scattering Lonzo.

The following day, Abner orchestrates Lonzo’s arrest, infuriating Lonzo’s wife, Ludie, who resentfully pays for his bail. As the Choats return home, a furious Lonzo takes his anger out on Abner’s dog, Nipper, killing him and displaying the body in a gruesome act of defiance. After vanishing for two days, Abner returns with Nipper’s stuffed remains, placing it on the porch as a symbolic guardian. The rivalry between Abner and Lonzo escalates, culminating in a fierce confrontation where Lonzo threatens to torches the shack with Abner trapped inside. In a tense moment, Abner draws a pistol, but Lonzo easily disarms him.

The police intervene, prompting Abner’s reluctant move from the shack, primarily at Paul’s insistence, who fears for his father’s mental stability. Admitting defeat, Abner tells his neighbor of Lonzo’s threats and decides to set his shack ablaze in a moment of despair. He struggles to escape but is saved by Lonzo, an unexpected turn of events that alters the animosity between them.

After regaining consciousness in the hospital with Paul beside him, Abner reconciles with the idea of moving into a retirement community. Yet, he remains resolute about planting corn in his new garden, defying his son’s suggestion of tomatoes. The story concludes with Abner visiting his now-empty house one last time, witnessing the departure of the Choats and reflecting on the profound changes in his life.

That Evening Sun Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of That Evening Sun (2009) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Abner Meecham's Abandonment

Abner Meecham, an elderly farmer from Tennessee, is abandoned in a nursing home by his lawyer son, Paul. Filled with a sense of betrayal, he determines to reclaim his independence and make his way back to his cherished farm.

Tennessee

Return to the Farm

Upon arriving back at his farm, Abner is shocked to discover that his son has leased the property to Lonzo Choat, an old adversary. This revelation ignites a fierce determination in Abner to reclaim what is rightfully his.

Abner's Farm

Taking Residence in the Tenant Shack

In response to the situation, Abner takes up residence in the tenant shack on his own property. He boldly declares that he will not leave until the farm is returned to him, setting the stage for an escalating conflict with Lonzo.

Tenant Shack

Abner Witnesses Violence

Abner witnesses Lonzo violently disciplining his daughter after a disapproved date. This disturbing scene prompts Abner to intervene, demonstrating his deep sense of justice and protectiveness.

Choat's Home

Warning Shot Fired

In a moment of anger, Abner fires a warning shot to scatter Lonzo after witnessing the abuse. This act escalates tensions and marks a point of no return in their rivalry.

Abner's Farm

Lonzo's Arrest

Abner cleverly orchestrates the arrest of Lonzo, which infuriates Lonzo's wife, Ludie. Their internal family conflict begins to intensify, adding layers to the brewing turmoil.

Local Authorities

Nipper's Death

Lonzo retaliates for his arrest by killing Abner's beloved dog, Nipper, and displaying the body as a gruesome act of defiance. This incident deepens Abner's resolve and shifts the nature of their conflict.

Abner's Farm

Nipper's Stuffed Remains

After two days away, Abner returns with Nipper's stuffed remains, placing it on the porch as a symbolic guardian. This act marks a turning point in Abner's determination to protect his home.

Tenant Shack

Confrontation with Lonzo

Tensions peak when Lonzo threatens to burn the shack down with Abner inside. Abner, in a desperate moment, draws a pistol but is easily disarmed by Lonzo, showcasing the danger of their escalating rivalry.

Tenant Shack

Police Intervention

The police intervene during the confrontation, leading to Abner's reluctant departure from the shack. This move is predominantly influenced by his son Paul, who fears for Abner's mental well-being.

Abner's Farm

Shack Set Ablaze

In a fit of despair, Abner decides to set his shack on fire as a final act of defiance. He struggles to escape the flames, but chaos ensues as he battles with his emotional pain.

Tenant Shack

Lonzo's Unexpected Rescue

In a surprising twist, Lonzo saves Abner from the fire, leading to an unexpected turn in their animosity. This moment alters the dynamics of their rivalry and leaves Abner confused about their relationship.

Tenant Shack

Recovery and Reflection

After waking up in the hospital with his son Paul by his side, Abner begins to confront the realities of his situation. There, he reconciles his desires for the future, including the idea of moving into a retirement community.

Hospital

Defying Paul's Wishes

Despite Paul's suggestions, Abner remains resolute in his decision to plant corn instead of tomatoes in his new garden. This moment highlights his unyielding spirit and connection to his farming roots.

Retirement Community

Final Visit to the Empty House

The story concludes with Abner taking a final visit to his now-empty house. As he watches the Choats depart, he reflects on the significant changes in his life and the bittersweet memories attached to his beloved farm.

Abner's Farm

That Evening Sun Characters

Explore all characters from That Evening Sun (2009). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Abner Meecham

Abner is a determined elderly farmer who fights to reclaim his independence after being abandoned in a nursing home. His fierce loyalty to his land reflects a deep-rooted connection to his past and a refusal to yield to adversity. Despite his gruff exterior, Abner reveals moments of vulnerability as he grapples with aging and legacy.

👴 Elderly 🌱 Farmer 🚜 Independent

Lonzo Choat

Lonzo is depicted as Abner's adversary, a man deeply embedded in conflict. His aggressive behavior towards his family and Abner portrays him as a complex character struggling with his own notions of power and authority. The rivalry with Abner reveals layers of insecurity and desperation in his actions.

⚔️ Antagonist 💢 Conflict 🏠 Rival

That Evening Sun Settings

Learn where and when That Evening Sun (2009) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The film captures a contemporary setting that mirrors the struggles of aging and the quest for independence in modern times. It highlights the dynamics of family relationships and the personal battles faced during later stages of life.

Location

Tennessee, Abner's farm, nursing home

The movie primarily takes place in Tennessee, where Abner Meecham's cherished farm signifies his connection to the land and independence. The nursing home serves as a stark contrast to the peaceful life he desires, representing confinement and abandonment. This scenic countryside is where the tension between Abner and his adversary, Lonzo, unfolds.

🏡 Farm 🏥 Nursing Home 🌳 Countryside

That Evening Sun Themes

Discover the main themes in That Evening Sun (2009). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🏴‍☠️

Defiance

Defiance threads through Abner's journey as he refuses to accept the changes in his life. His bold actions against Lonzo reflect a deeper struggle against the loss of autonomy. This theme showcases the resilience of the human spirit when faced with adversity.

👴

Aging

The film delves into the complex emotions surrounding aging, emphasizing the need for dignity and respect. Abner’s journey illustrates the challenges of growing older while attempting to hold onto one's legacy and independence amidst changing family dynamics.

🔥

Conflict

The escalating conflict between Abner and Lonzo serves as a backdrop for the story, revealing the underlying tensions that arise from territorial disputes and personal grievances. This theme highlights how unresolved issues can lead to tragic consequences, affecting not just the individuals involved but also their families.

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That Evening Sun Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of That Evening Sun (2009). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In the rolling hills of rural Tennessee, an aging farmer named Abner Meecham has spent a lifetime coaxing life from stubborn soil. The land, with its weather‑worn barns and endless sky, feels less like property and more like an extension of his own identity. As his body grows frail, the world around him shifts: modern conveniences and distant relatives replace the familiar cadence of sunrise and harvest. The film opens with a quiet, lingering sense of place, inviting viewers to taste the dust, hear the creak of wooden fences, and feel the weight of memories that cling to every furrow.

When Abner learns that his own son, Paul, has signed a lease for the farm to an old, equally steadfast family, the tranquil rhythm is disrupted. The new tenants, headed by the determined Lonzo Choat, embody a different generation’s claim on the same stubborn earth. Their arrival sets the stage for a subtle yet palpable clash of wills—two men bound by the same soil but divided by pride, loyalty, and the inevitable erosion of long‑held traditions. Their interactions are charged with quiet tension, each gesture hinting at deeper histories and unspoken grievances that echo through the fields.

The tone of the story is reflective and unflinching, balancing the stark beauty of the Southern landscape with the intimate drama of aging and resistance. It explores how a stubborn octogenarian confronts the modern world without surrendering his sense of self, and how the Choat family’s resolve meets the same stubbornness from a different angle. Within this richly textured world, the audience is drawn into an unfolding meditation on honor, family, and the quiet battles fought on the outskirts of change, leaving the outcome as an open horizon waiting to be discovered.

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