Independent Films, Film Profiles

Undertow (film)
by David Gordon Green

Undertow is a 2004 thriller film directed by David Gordon Green, starring Jamie Bell, Devon Alan, Dermot Mulroney and Josh Lucas. Taking place in Georgia, the film tells the story of two boys pursued by a murderous uncle.Undertow is Green's third feature film. It was met with mixed response from critics, ranging from admiration to derision.[2] The film received special recognition for excellence in filmmaking from the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures.[3][4] In addition, Jamie Bell and Devon Alan won Young Artist Awards for their roles in the film.[5][6]The protagonist is Chris Munn (Jamie Bell), a troubled and restless teen. His family consists of his younger brother Tim (Devon Alan) and their father John (Dermot Mulroney). They live in an isolated rural house in Georgia.The story of the film is one of greed and family hatred. It begins when John's brother Deel (Josh Lucas) visits the Munn family, stirring up unease among them. It turns out that Deel wishes to reclaim a hoard of gold coins from John. He eventually finds them hidden behind John's family portrait. John refuses to give them up. In the ensuing struggle, Deel murders him. He tries to kill Chris and Tim too, but they escape him and run away from home. Chris brings the gold coins along with him.On the run, the boys meet an assortment of fairytale-like characters. Deel pursues them, eventually catching up. Wading into a river, Chris throws away the gold coins into the water. Enraged by their loss, Deel struggles with Chris and tries to drown the boy. In turn, Deel receives a fatal stab wound in the chest.Rendered unconscious by the struggle, Chris wakes up in hospital. There, he is reunited with Tim and their grandparents, who have found them.The plot bares more than a passing resemblance to the filmThe Night of the Hunter.