What Is That Evening Sun About?
The premise of That Evening Sun in 289 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
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.
What Happens in That Evening Sun?
The complete story of That Evening Sun, from the first scene to the last, in 370 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
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: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Abner Meecham's Abandonment” to “Final Visit to the Empty House”. 15 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
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.
Where:Tennessee
- 2
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.
Where:Abner's Farm
- 3
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.
Where:Tenant Shack
- 4
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.
Where:Choat's Home
- 5
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.
Where:Abner's Farm
- 6
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.
Where:Local Authorities
- 7
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.
Where:Abner's Farm
- 8
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.
Where:Tenant Shack
- 9
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.
Where:Tenant Shack
- 10
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.
Where:Abner's Farm
Show the other 5 events of That Evening Sun Hide the last 5 events
- 11
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.
Where:Tenant Shack
- 12
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.
Where:Tenant Shack
- 13
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.
Where:Hospital
- 14
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.
Where:Retirement Community
- 15
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.
Where:Abner's Farm
Who Are the Main Characters in That Evening Sun?
2 characters, among them Abner Meecham and Lonzo Choat: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- AM
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
- LC
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
Where and When Is That Evening Sun Set?
That Evening Sun is set in Tennessee, Abner's farm and nursing home. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
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.
Where
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
What Are the Themes of That Evening Sun?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Defiance, Aging and Conflict.
-
01
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.
-
02
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.
-
03
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.
What Kind of Film Is That Evening Sun?
Melancholic in tone, with slow pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Slow
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A slow-paced, melancholic drama that follows a stubborn old man's defiant return home, unfolding as a quiet but tense battle of wills against a backdrop of fading Southern traditions and personal loss.
- stubborn
- lonely
- defiant
- atmospheric
- reflective
- tense
- aging and pride
- decline of tradition
- family betrayal
- rural life
Content notes: animal death.
Quiz
How well do you remember That Evening Sun? Test yourself on the story.
