The Straight Story

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The Straight Story

G

Released May 21, 1999

1h 51m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

113 Reviews

91%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

A retired farmer and widower in his 70s, Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) learns one day that his distant brother Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton) has suffered a stroke and may not recover. Alvin is determined to make things right with Lyle while he still can, but his brother lives in Wisconsin, while Alvin is stuck in Iowa with no car and no driver's license. Then he hits on the idea of making the trip on his old lawnmower, thus beginning a picturesque and at times deeply spiritual odyssey.

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Critics Consensus

With strong performances and director David Lynch at the helm, The Straight Story steers past sentimental byways on its ambling journey across the American heartland.

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Dan Kois

Slate

When the movie’s end arrives, it’s a scene of cosmic beauty, accompanied by Angelo Badalamenti’s ethereal score—pure cinematic liftoff, a triumph of writing, direction, acting, casting, all the things that make a movie take flight.

Jan 21, 2025

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Kevin Maher

Times (UK)

... An elegiac portrait of a fading American heartland wrapped around a tear-jerking depiction of a man reflecting on his life losses with regret and resignation.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 24, 2023

Full Review

Anthony Lane

The New Yorker

It's intriguing to watch the Lynch of Blue Velvet and Lost Highway feel his way toward a less wounding surrealism -- into images that have power to hurt and will do none.

Apr 14, 2020

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Noah Berlatsky

Everything is Horrible (Substack)

If you're a sucker for sentimental Americana, this is of significantly higher quality than the genre usually manages.

Jan 23, 2025

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Peter Martin

EverythingButHorror.com

Felt like soaking in an elegy for past time, and coming to terms with the consequences for a lifetime of actions. .... An ineffably gorgeous film, which becomes more affecting with every viewing. ... A celebration of what was and what will be.

Aug 10, 2024

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Joe Lipsett

Anatomy of a Scream Podcast Network

A sweet, simple story that feels unorthodox for Lynch, but eventually reveals it contains a number of his signature themes and visuals. Farnsworth's Oscar nomination was well-deserved; he anchors the film with humanity and boundless empathy.

Jun 27, 2024

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Farah R

It drags on longer than needed, but The Straight Story packs a lot of heart.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/22/25

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Greg S

A smooth, comforting cinematic back massage , if you will, that excels on every level. Farnsworth, in all his poetic, gentlemanly stoicism simply shines.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/06/25

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Michael S

The Straight Story is a beautifully made film, filled with wonderful characters who eloquently reveal Lynch’s inner feelings of love and compassion for humanity. It’s also one of the best films David Lynch made. Highly Recommended. detroitcineaste

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/31/25

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Akshay k

David Lynch's The Straight Story is a heartfelt departure from his usual surrealism. This simple yet profound tale of Alvin Straight’s journey resonates deeply, blending quiet beauty with emotional weight. The stunning cinematography and Richard Farnsworth’s moving performance make it a deeply human story about perseverance, family, and redemption.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/25

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Angelo R

Slow paced tale of an exciting adventure a man takes to reconnect with brother, he can't even remember why they fought. Along the way he connects with people he passes sharing his life knowledge and learning a few things himself.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/25

Full Review

Peter G

A film to bring in the New Year when hope is needed. I first saw this absolutely wonderful movie on News Years day in the year 2000. I now own a copy & have watched it often over the years & once again this time bringing in the 2025 New Year. Lynch is not a real favorite of mine as a director but this piece of work shows a side of him that I can really relate to. Some of his other films I find interesting in their unusual narrative & technical complexity but they do not affect me like this one. What is remarkable as well is how real & moving this true story is but without any cheap sentiment whatsoever in its presentation. Farnsworth has his finest 110 minutes as an actor here & everyone in the cast, especially Sissy Spacek, whether they are trained actors or not come across superbly & all elements in the film from music to the cinematography contribute to the films beauty. I will watch this film over & over & its impact + subtle message concerning upbeat but affectingly real human interaction I will cherish forever. Reviewed by Peter Graham

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/01/25

Full Review

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David Lynch

Director

Richard Farnsworth

Alvin Straight

Sissy Spacek

Rose 'Rosie' Straight

Jane Galloway Heitz

Dorothy, Straight's Next-Door Neighbor

Everett McGill

Tom the John Deere Dealer

Jennifer Edwards-Hughes

Brenda, the Grocery Clerk

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Synopsis

A retired farmer and widower in his 70s, Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) learns one day that his distant brother Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton) has suffered a stroke and may not recover. Alvin is determined to make things right with Lyle while he still can, but his brother lives in Wisconsin, while Alvin is stuck in Iowa with no car and no driver's license. Then he hits on the idea of making the trip on his old lawnmower, thus beginning a picturesque and at times deeply spiritual odyssey.

Director: David Lynch
Producer: Neal Edelstein, Mary Sweeney
Screenwriter: John Roach, Mary Sweeney
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Le Studio Canal +, Channel Four Films, Walt Disney Pictures, Asymmetrical Productions, Les Films Alain Sarde, CiBy 2000
Rating: G
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 21, 1999, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 11, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $6.2M
Runtime: 1h 51m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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