Chrystal (2004)

80% of critics liked it
(20 reviews)
51% of users liked it
(1,143 ratings)

Actor Ray McKinnon (O Brother, Where Art Thou?) makes his debut behind the camera with Chrystal, a psychological drama written, directed, and produced by the long-time character player. The film stars Billy Bob Thornton as Joe, a man who returns home after a 16-year prison stint. Before his… More Actor Ray McKinnon (O Brother, Where Art Thou?) makes his debut behind the camera with Chrystal, a psychological drama written, directed, and produced by the long-time character player. The film stars Billy Bob Thornton as Joe, a man who returns home after a 16-year prison stint. Before his conviction, Joe was involved in a car wreck while being pursued by the authorities. Though he survived, Joe's wife Chrystal (Lisa Blount) suffered permanent injuries and the couple's young son was killed. While Joe seeks redemption, he must also contend with Snake (McKinnon), a drug dealer who is less than kind to the ex-con. Chrystal premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr.
Directed By: Ray McKinnon
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Jan 16, 2004 Wide
On DVD: Aug 30, 2005
Studio: First Look

Critic Reviews

Kevin Crust, Los Angeles Times
Chrystal unravels a bit toward the end as it becomes more fable-like, but the performances make it worthwhile.
Todd McCarthy, Variety
Respectable piece of work is reasonably involving if not compelling.
Eric Harrison, Houston Chronicle
It's meandering and uneven, but much of it is powerfully effective and affecting.
Philip Wuntch, Dallas Morning News
Even those impatient viewers who feel like they're watching paint dry will admit that the colors are beautiful.
Bob Longino, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
An oddly beautiful film.
Duane Byrge, Hollywood Reporter
A grand story of redemption, laced with barbecued wit and slopped with intrigue.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
A sometimes audacious, occasionally downright brilliant, always watchable work that somehow just misses being wholly successful.
David Kronke, Los Angeles Daily News
While some of the low-key atmospherics are effective, and Thornton suffers with exquisite quietude, some important scenes unfortunately are clumsily staged.
Jonathan W. Hickman, Entertainment Insiders
No slam against the O Brother ,Where Art Thou? soundtrack but Chrystal could give it a run for its money.
Lawrence Toppman, Charlotte Observer
Looks and feels authentic in a way only a Southern director is likely to achieve.
Matt Brunson, Creative Loafing
An affecting melodrama that's deep-fried in Southern heritage right down to its ribs.
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion
Moves at a virtually glacial pace, dramatizing its story less than entombing it...lacks the radiance it obviously aspires to.
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone, TheMovieChicks.com
This would have been a better movie if it was just the Chrystal and Joe story... without some of the side bar events that don't advance the story.
Boo Allen, Denton Record Chronicle (TX)
Triple threat writer/actor/director Ray McKinnon renders a strange tale set in the beauty of the Ozarks.
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
... a masterful and assured movie about the ways broken people try to mend connections and carry on.
Brad Slager, Film Threat
A two-hour film that contains a story that could have been smoothly detailed in thirty minutes.
Pam Grady, Reel.com
A harrowing and indelible evocation of loss and the fragility of life.

Read all 17 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Sarah P

A really great movie. It starts out a little weird, like you don't know what you're getting yourself into, but it is definately worth it. You become really invested in the characters (especially the dog!)
Erin C

This movie was so boring! It never picked up. Do not waste your time.