That Evening Sun (2009) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film is set in rural Tennessee, primarily on Abner Meecham's farm, which represents his deep connection to the land and his independence. The nursing home where Abner was placed serves as a stark contrast, symbolizing confinement and abandonment. The countryside setting becomes the stage for the escalating conflict between Abner and Lonzo Choat.

• tennessee farm
• rural setting
• countryside
• nursing home
• location

That Evening Sun is set in contemporary, modern times. The story reflects current issues around aging, family dynamics, and the struggle for independence in later life. There is no specific historical era indicated, the narrative addresses timeless themes of legacy and dignity through a modern lens.

• contemporary
• modern era
• time period
• present day

The film explores several interconnected themes: defiance as Abner refuses to accept the changes forced upon him; aging and the struggle to maintain dignity, respect, and independence in later life; and conflict arising from territorial disputes and personal grievances. The movie also touches on the decline of traditional values in the American South and the tension between pride and acceptance.

• defiance
• aging
• conflict
• pride
• legacy
• independence
• traditional values
• south

Abner Meecham is an elderly Tennessee farmer and the film's protagonist. After being placed in a nursing home by his family, he escapes to return to his beloved farm. He is fiercely independent, deeply connected to his land, and refuses to accept what he sees as abandonment. Despite his gruff exterior, he reveals moments of vulnerability as he grapples with aging and his legacy.

• abner meecham
• protagonist
• elderly farmer
• tennessee

Lonzo Choat is Abner's primary adversary in the film. He has leased Abner's farm from Abner's son and represents the new occupant challenging Abner's claim to his land. Lonzo is portrayed as a complex character struggling with issues of power and authority. His aggressive behavior and rivalry with Abner reveal layers of insecurity and desperation beneath his confrontational exterior.

• lonzo choat
• antagonist
• adversary
• lease
• tenant

Abner's farm symbolizes his identity, independence, and connection to his past and heritage. It represents the life he built and the legacy he wishes to preserve. Losing the farm means losing everything that defines him. The farm also embodies the traditional Southern values that are depicted as being in decline throughout the film.

• farm
• land
• independence
• legacy
• southern values
• identity

Abner leaves the nursing home because he refuses to accept what he perceives as abandonment by his family. The nursing home represents confinement and the loss of his identity as a self-sufficient farmer. His decision to return to his farm is an act of defiance, a declaration that he will not quietly accept being sidelined in his final years.

• nursing home
• abandonment
• independence
• defiance
• escape

The central conflict revolves around Abner's attempt to reclaim his farm, which his son has leased to Lonzo Choat. Both men are stubborn and proud, leading to an escalating battle of wills. Their rivalry represents deeper tensions, territorial disputes, personal grievances, and the clash between Abner's traditional way of life and the new reality he faces. The conflict ultimately reveals how unresolved issues can affect not just the individuals involved but their families.

• conflict
• dispute
• lease
• property
• battle of wills
• tennessee

That Evening Sun presents a thoughtful examination of aging, emphasizing the need for dignity and respect in later life. Abner's journey illustrates the challenges of growing older while holding onto one's legacy and independence. The film suggests that aging involves a difficult balance between defiantly holding on and eventually accepting new realities. His story explores how society often marginalizes elderly individuals and the profound impact this has on their sense of self.

• aging
• dignity
• elderly
• independence
• respect
• legacy
• family dynamics

The rural Tennessee setting is integral to the film's themes. The farm represents a way of life tied to land, independence, and Southern tradition. The peaceful countryside contrasts sharply with the tension between Abner and Lonzo, creating an atmospheric backdrop that reflects the story's emotional tone. The setting also underscores themes of decline, what happens to traditional values and ways of life when they are threatened by modern realities like family disputes over property.

• tennessee
• rural
• southern
• countryside
• setting
• tradition