The Farmhand

Acting, screenplay, script....all terrible. Painful to watch. Who is writing these reviews?

The Farmhand is a well-executed indie period drama set in 1920s South Carolina. I was lured in by the film's festival accolades on the poster and The Farmhand proved worthy of its recognition. The plot is interesting and complex, with obstacles on all sides of the lead character Grayson, whether that's a kingpin, sheriff, or a complicated relationship. It really makes for a nice build to the climax of the film. The Farmhand breezes by and is certainly worth your time at a brisk 42 minutes. It's nice to have an opportunity to find independent films like these.

The Farmhand is throw back to the 1920s where if a person stood in your way you found a way to remove them even if they appeared to be untouchable. The film's cinematography is top notch and will make you feel as though you are watching a big budget period film.

Shot in the pastoral Midlands of South Carolina, the engrossing period piece "The Farmhand" takes us back to Prohibition and the paradoxical lawlessness it created.

Grayson Livingston (Russell Shealy) is an assassin retained by a bootlegger to eliminate the business bottleneck that is Sheriff Henry Lloyd (Stephen Royal Phillips). Yet a critical mistake by Grayson soon finds him in the role of fleeing fugitive. Finding shelter on a nearby farm, he's put to work as a farmhand, leading to a dangerous romantic relationship with the farm owner's wife Constance (Carrie Anne Hunt), and all while Sheriff Lloyd continues his pursuit.

This is a beautifully shot film that literally and figuratively covers a lot of ground. "The Farmhand" appears to have been a film festival circuit darling, and on the basis of its committed actor performances, beautiful location work, and a shrewdly conceived script, it's easy to see why. Highly recommended. - (Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!)

Having the distinct flavor of Southern farm life in the 1920's this drama would benefit from a tighter script.