The Apostle Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Texan preacher, after a slight disagreement involving a baseball bat and his wife’s lover, decides Louisiana needs more gospel, so he brings it, whether they like it or not.

🍿 The Apostle: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Preacher’s Fall From Grace

Eulis ‘Sonny’ Dewey, a charismatic and successful Pentecostal preacher in Texas, enjoys a seemingly idyllic life with his wife, Jessie, and their children. However, his world shatters when he discovers Jessie is having an affair with a younger minister, Horace. This betrayal sets Sonny on a path of rage and despair.

An Act of Violence and a New Identity

Consumed by anger, Sonny confronts Horace and severely injures him with a baseball bat, leading to Horace’s death. Realizing the gravity of his actions, Sonny flees Texas to avoid prosecution. He changes his name to ‘The Apostle E.F.’ and embarks on a journey of redemption in Louisiana.

Starting Anew in Louisiana

In Louisiana, Apostle E.F. finds work as a mechanic for Elmo, a local radio station owner who eventually allows him to preach on the air. He connects with Reverend Blackwell and begins building a new church, dedicated to serving a diverse congregation. Despite his efforts to rebuild his life, the shadow of his past looms large.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• The Apostle E.F. (Robert Duvall): A charismatic yet flawed preacher from Texas who flees to Louisiana after a violent act, seeking redemption through establishing a new church.
• Jessie (Farrah Fawcett): Sonny’s wife whose affair triggers a series of events that lead to his downfall and journey of self-discovery.
• Horace (Todd Allen): The young minister whose affair with Jessie becomes the catalyst for Sonny’s violent actions and subsequent escape.
• Brother Blackwell (John Beasley): A Reverend who becomes a supportive friend and ally to the Apostle E.F. in Louisiana, assisting him in his new ministry.
• Elmo (Rick Dial): The owner of a local radio station in Louisiana who gives E.F. a chance to preach, providing him with a platform to spread his message.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• The Apostle E.F.: “I’m a Holy Ghost Filled, Sanctified, Bible believing, Fire Baptized preacher!” – Apostle E.F. declares his devotion to faith and gospel.
• The Apostle E.F.: “You gotta let the Holy Spirit explode inside you!” – During one of his sermons, exhorting his followers to embrace their faith with fervor.
• The Apostle E.F.: “Get behind me, Satan!” – Yelled in the church, emphasizing his commitment to god.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $19,868,354
• Worldwide Gross: $19,868,354

💥 The Apostle Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely engrossed by ‘The Apostle’! Robert Duvall’s portrayal of Sonny is captivating; you see his flaws and his faith. The scene where he’s alone, wrestling with his conscience, is gut-wrenching. I felt so much empathy for this flawed man trying to find redemption. It’s not just a movie about religion, it’s about humanity!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Robert Duvall”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “People interested in stories about faith and redemption”
  • “Those who appreciate films with Southern settings”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Alcohol use”
  • “Adult themes”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Robert Duvall’s ‘The Apostle’ is a deeply personal and powerful film, a portrait of faith, sin, and redemption that resonates with authenticity. Duvall’s performance is mesmerizing, and the film’s exploration of religion feels raw and honest.
• Janet Maslin: “Duvall’s direction is assured, and his performance is a force of nature. However, the film’s meandering pace and occasional self-indulgence prevent it from reaching its full potential. But, ultimately, it is still a moving experience.

Audience Reactions

Duvall’s raw and honest portrayal of a flawed preacher resonated deeply with viewers.: Many viewers praised the film’s authenticity and Duvall’s commanding performance.

The film’s realistic depiction of Southern Pentecostal life was captivating.: The integration of non-actors enhanced the film’s authenticity and emotional impact.

Overall Consensus: Robert Duvall’s ‘The Apostle’ is a powerful and moving drama about faith, sin, and redemption, driven by Duvall’s exceptional performance and authentic depiction of Southern religious life.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 1998

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robert Duvall wrote, directed, and starred in ‘The Apostle’, investing a significant amount of his own money into the project when major studios declined to finance it.”
• “Many of the extras and supporting cast members were not professional actors but local residents and actual ministers, lending authenticity to the film’s portrayal of Southern Pentecostal culture.”
• “Marlon Brando sent Robert Duvall a letter praising the film, expressing how deeply moved he was by it.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Apostle?

Currently, ‘The Apostle’ is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for current pricing and availability in your region. Unfortunately, it is not available through subscription based streaming services at this time.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Apostle, you might like these similar films:

• Tender Mercies (1983): Another Robert Duvall film exploring themes of redemption and faith in the American South.
• Elmer Gantry (1960): Classic film about a charismatic but flawed preacher, similar to the complex character of Sonny Dewey.
• Junebug (2005): Indie film that offers a nuanced look into Southern religious life and family dynamics.
• Black Snake Moan (2006): Explores themes of sin, redemption, and faith in the South, though with a different tone and narrative style.

🛒 The Apostle Related Products

• The Apostle [DVD]: Own the critically acclaimed film on DVD and experience Robert Duvall’s powerful performance in stunning clarity. Relive the story of faith, redemption, and the human spirit.
• Robert Duvall: A Life in Film [Biography]: Explore the life and career of the legendary actor Robert Duvall, from his early days to his iconic roles. This biography dives deep into his experiences filming The Apostle.
• Southern Gospel Music Collection [CD]: Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of Southern gospel music, featuring classic hymns and contemporary songs that capture the spirit of the film’s soundtrack. A must for gospel music enthusiasts and fans of the movie.
• Baseball Bat Display Case: High quality display case to remind you that there’s a way to solve your problems if you are brave enough.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Apostle features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I’ll Fly Away” – performed by Alison Krauss
• “What Passes For Love” – performed by Storyville

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Here’s How The 12 Apostles Actually Died!

Ever wondered what really happened to the 12 Apostles after the Bible? This video dives into their fates, and honestly, some of them are pretty wild – definitely adds another layer to understanding stories about them!

Book of Revelation Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 1)

Feeling lost when people talk about the Book of Revelation? This animated summary breaks it all down – from the seven seals to the seven trumpets. It’s surprisingly engaging and makes those biblical themes way less intimidating!

✨ Rate