Chrystal

R

Released Jan 16, 2004

2 hr. 0 min.

Drama

List

80%

20 Reviews

Tomatometer

57%

1,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Returning to his hometown after 16 years in prison, Joe (Billy Bob Thornton) has to contend with his deeply troubled past, particularly the car accident that killed his son and permanently damaged his wife, Chrystal (Lisa Blount), both physically and emotionally. While Chrystal struggles to deal with Joe's renewed presence in her life, he tries to win her forgiveness. Joe's criminal history also comes into play when he must confront his old rival, a drug dealer named Snake (Ray McKinnon).

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Critics Consensus

Where Chrystal's going isn't always clear, but this slow-burning story proves effective -- and marks writer-director-star McKinnon as a multi-hyphenated talent to watch.

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Audience Member

Ray McKinnon's Chrystal is a real undiscovered gem. Starring McKinnon's now-deceased wife Lisa Blount and Billy Bob Thornton, Chrystal is a startlingly real story of pain and redemption set in the "wild" backwoods of Arkansas. With its powerful themes and emotional scars, fans of Sling Blade should appreciate this film equally. It is no caricature. I loved the setting, characters, and issues, but the pace was uneven, At times I thought this was a brilliant film, and at others I thought it ponderous. The film is also "wild" in many senses; it features picturesque scenery and savage yet eerily accurate characters. Lisa Blount is wonderful; I'd like to see more of her roles. McKinnon is gifted also; I have seen him play a wide variety of characters. Chrystal's bluegrass musical background is a great addition and even steals a few scenes. This is a traumatic journey, not for the prudish or squeamish. It represents outstanding independent filmmaking.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

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Audience Member

at times I wondered why I was still watching this movie, but yet I couldn't pull myself away.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

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Audience Member

100% my kinda movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

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Audience Member

Excellent acting and directing in this indie drama. Unfortunately it's let down by a rather weak and somewhat drawn out story.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

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Audience Member

I liked this movie even with all the uncomfortable moments. Great actors in this authentic Southern film.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Very crazy, but as always, Billy's dead feelings always stand out.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

Full Review

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Ray McKinnon

Director

Billy Bob Thornton

Joe

Lisa Blount

Chrystal

Ray McKinnon

Snake

Harry Lennix

Kalid

Walton Goggins

Larry

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Kevin Crust

Los Angeles Times

Chrystal unravels a bit toward the end as it becomes more fable-like, but the performances make it worthwhile.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 9, 2005

Full Review

Todd McCarthy

Variety

Respectable piece of work is reasonably involving if not compelling.

May 27, 2005

Full Review

Eric Harrison

Houston Chronicle

It's meandering and uneven, but much of it is powerfully effective and affecting.

Rated: 3/4

May 27, 2005

Full Review

Film Threat

Rated: 3/5

Dec 6, 2005

Full Review

Ken Hanke

Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

A sometimes audacious, occasionally downright brilliant, always watchable work that somehow just misses being wholly successful.

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 1, 2005

Full Review

David Kronke

Los Angeles Daily News

While some of the low-key atmospherics are effective, and Thornton suffers with exquisite quietude, some important scenes unfortunately are clumsily staged.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jun 10, 2005

Full Review

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Synopsis

Returning to his hometown after 16 years in prison, Joe (Billy Bob Thornton) has to contend with his deeply troubled past, particularly the car accident that killed his son and permanently damaged his wife, Chrystal (Lisa Blount), both physically and emotionally. While Chrystal struggles to deal with Joe's renewed presence in her life, he tries to win her forgiveness. Joe's criminal history also comes into play when he must confront his old rival, a drug dealer named Snake (Ray McKinnon).

Director: Ray McKinnon
Executive Producer: Peter E. Strauss
Screenwriter: Ray McKinnon
Production Co: Chrystal Productions, Panache Pictures, Ginny Mule Pictures
Rating: R (Sexuality|Drug Content|Nudity|Language|Violence)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 16, 2004, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 17, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $80.7K
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital