Undertow (2004 film)
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. Met with a mixed response from critics, the film received special recognition for excellence in filmmaking from the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures. In addition, Jamie Bell and Devon Alan won Young Artist Awards for their roles in the film.
Plot
Following the death of his wife Audrey, John Munn (Dermot Mulroney) moves with his two sons, mid-teen Chris Munn (Jamie Bell) and adolescent Tim Munn (Devon Alan), to a pig farm in rural Drees County, Georgia, where they lead a reclusive life.
Chris is the protagonist, a troubled teen rebelling against this life in ways where he is regularly picked up by the police. 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, whom the two boys did not even know existed. Deel who has just been released from prison stirs 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.