Son of the South

Movie Trailer

Release Date
February 5, 2021

Genre
Biographical Drama

Cast & Crew

• Lucas Till as Bob Zellner
• Lucy Hale as Carol Ann
• Lex Scott Davis as Joanne
• Cedric the Entertainer as Reverend Ralph Abernathy
• Brian Dennehy as Grandfather Zellner
• Julia Ormond as Virginia Durr
• Sharonne Lanier as Rosa Parks

Director
Barry Alexander Brown

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The War at Home (1979, co-director)
• Last Looks (2021)
• Stuck in the Groove (2001, documentary)

Producer
Barry Alexander Brown, Spike Lee, Bill Black, Colin Bates

Writer
Barry Alexander Brown (screenplay), based on the autobiography The Wrong Side of Murder Creek by Bob Zellner

Budget
$2 million (estimated)

Production Company
Clear Horizon Entertainment, Riverbend Pictures

Running Time
104 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Racism and racial violence
• Strong language
• Thematic elements involving civil rights struggles

Movie Story
“Son of the South” is a powerful biographical drama that recounts the true story of Bob Zellner, a white Southerner who became a passionate activist in the Civil Rights Movement. Set against the backdrop of 1960s Alabama, the film explores the intense and often dangerous path that Zellner took as he confronted the deep-seated racism of his hometown and the South at large.

Bob Zellner (Lucas Till), the grandson of a prominent Ku Klux Klan member, is initially content to live within the confines of his privileged white upbringing. However, as a young college student, he begins to question the world around him after being assigned a paper on race relations. His curiosity and sense of justice lead him to attend a speech by Rosa Parks (Sharonne Lanier) and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., where he witnesses firsthand the stark realities of racial segregation and the brutal response from the authorities.

Zellner’s exposure to the Civil Rights Movement ignites a moral awakening, and he soon finds himself drawn into the struggle for equality. Despite facing hostility from his community, including his own family, Zellner allies himself with prominent Civil Rights leaders, including Reverend Ralph Abernathy (Cedric the Entertainer) and Virginia Durr (Julia Ormond). The film follows his journey as he risks his life to stand against systemic racism, becoming one of the few white members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

“Son of the South” is a gripping narrative of personal transformation and moral courage. The film does not shy away from depicting the brutal realities of the time, including violent clashes with the Ku Klux Klan and the police. Yet, it also highlights the hope and resilience of those who fought for change, showing how Zellner’s commitment to justice grew as he witnessed the sacrifices made by black activists. Through his eyes, the audience gains insight into the complexities of being a white ally in the Civil Rights Movement and the importance of standing up for what is right, regardless of the cost.

Special Effects
The film’s special effects are minimal, focusing instead on authentic period details and realistic portrayals of the violent confrontations that characterized the Civil Rights Movement. The use of archival footage and careful recreation of historical events helps to ground the film in its historical context, making the narrative feel both immediate and impactful.

Box Office Performance
“Son of the South” had a limited release, with its box office performance reflecting its niche appeal. The film found an audience primarily through digital and on-demand platforms, where it resonated with viewers interested in historical dramas and civil rights issues.

Filming Locations

• Montgomery, Alabama, USA
• Tuskegee, Alabama, USA
• Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You have to decide which side you’re on, the right side or the wrong side of history.” – Bob Zellner
• “Justice is never advanced in the taking of human life.” – Reverend Ralph Abernathy

Behind-the-Scenes

• “Son of the South” is based on the autobiography The Wrong Side of Murder Creek by Bob Zellner, giving the film a strong foundation in real-life events and experiences.
• The film was produced by Spike Lee, who has been a long-time advocate for films that tackle issues of race and social justice.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Son of the South” is a stirring and educational film that sheds light on a lesser-known figure in the Civil Rights Movement. Lucas Till delivers a compelling performance as Bob Zellner, portraying his transformation with nuance and sincerity. The film is a testament to the power of standing up against injustice and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality. For those interested in historical dramas and social justice issues, “Son of the South” is a must-watch.

IMDb Rating
6.6/10