The Quarry

Movie Trailer

Release Date
April 17, 2020

Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Shea Whigham as The Man
• Michael Shannon as Chief Moore
• Catalina Sandino Moreno as Celia
• Bobby Soto as Valentin
• Bruno Bichir as David Martin
• Alvaro Martinez as Poco

Director
Scott Teems

Other Movies Director is Known For

• That Evening Sun (2009)
• Rectify (TV series, 2013–2016)
• Halloween Kills (2021, co-writer)

Producer
Laura D. Smith, Kristin Mann, Jason Wehling, Scott Teems

Writer
Scott Teems, Andrew Brotzman (screenplay), based on the novel The Quarry by Damon Galgut

Budget
$1 million (estimated)

Production Company
Lionsgate, Grindstone Entertainment Group, Metalwork Pictures

Running Time
103 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Violence
• Strong language
• Drug use
• Thematic elements involving crime and morality

Movie Story
“The Quarry” is a slow-burning crime thriller set in a small, desolate Texas town. The film opens with a mysterious man (Shea Whigham), referred to only as “The Man,” traveling across the desert after committing an undisclosed crime. His journey leads him to a preacher, David Martin (Bruno Bichir), whom he kills in a fit of rage. Assuming the preacher’s identity, The Man arrives in a rundown town, where he is welcomed as the new minister.

As The Man settles into his new role, he begins to connect with the town’s residents, particularly Celia (Catalina Sandino Moreno), a woman who runs a local diner, and Valentin (Bobby Soto), a young man with a troubled past. Despite his efforts to hide his true nature, the weight of his crimes begins to press down on him, especially as Chief Moore (Michael Shannon), the town’s hardened police chief, grows increasingly suspicious of the new preacher.

The tension builds as Chief Moore starts to unravel the truth behind The Man’s identity, all while Valentin and his brother are wrongfully accused of the preacher’s murder. The film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the masks people wear to escape their pasts. As the story progresses, The Man’s facade begins to crumble, leading to a climax that questions the very nature of justice in a world filled with moral ambiguity.

“The Quarry” is not just a crime thriller but also a character study of a man wrestling with his own demons. The film’s pacing is deliberate, with a focus on atmosphere and the internal struggles of its characters. The barren landscapes and quiet, almost eerie setting of the town add to the film’s somber tone, making it a haunting exploration of sin and salvation.

Special Effects
“The Quarry” relies heavily on its stark, minimalist setting to create an atmosphere of isolation and tension. The special effects are minimal, with the film’s strength lying in its use of natural light and desolate locations to reflect the inner turmoil of the characters. The cinematography captures the bleakness of the town and the surrounding quarry, which serves as a metaphor for the characters’ emotional and moral quagmire.

Box Office Performance
“The Quarry” had a limited release, with its box office performance reflecting its indie status. It garnered attention on streaming platforms, where it appealed to audiences looking for thoughtful, character-driven dramas. The film received praise for its performances, particularly those of Shea Whigham and Michael Shannon, who anchor the film with their intense portrayals.

Filming Locations

• Texas, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You can’t outrun your sins, no matter how far you go.” – The Man
• “In a town like this, the truth has a way of staying buried.” – Chief Moore

Behind-the-Scenes

• The film is based on the novel The Quarry by Damon Galgut, but it shifts the setting from South Africa to Texas, giving the story a unique American noir twist.
• Michael Shannon and Shea Whigham, who previously worked together on Boardwalk Empire, bring a palpable tension to their scenes, with Shannon’s intense presence contrasting against Whigham’s more subdued, haunted performance.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“The Quarry” is a brooding, atmospheric thriller that delves deep into the themes of identity, guilt, and redemption. While it may not be for everyone due to its slow pace and introspective nature, those who appreciate character-driven narratives and moral complexity will find it a rewarding watch. The performances of Shea Whigham and Michael Shannon elevate the film, making it a compelling exploration of a man trying—and failing—to escape his past.

IMDb Rating
5.4/10