PROPHETS
AND BROTHERS
Synopsis Prophets and Brothers
is an adaptation of three short stories by Brian Evenson, one which
received an O’Henry Award. The film explores the fundamental religious
beliefs of two patriarchs and their families and how human nature
overcomes religious principles.
Prophets and Brothers unfolds in
seven intertwining chapters beginning with the story of Thrane,
a disciple of Daddy Norton. Thrane’s revelations begin shortly after
he discovers his child dead of fever and must bury her without her
mother’s knowledge. Thrane’s belief will ultimately be tested when
he and his wife are mercilessly gunned down on the side of the road
by three drifters.
Daddy Norton, is a self proclaimed prophet and author
of The Holy Word as Revealed to Daddy Norton, Beloved. Daddy Norton
has fallen and broken his leg and will not allow his wife and sons
to call for help. He has seen “all in vision” and is awaiting divine
intervention. Seizing his opportunity, Theron takes revenge for
years of abuse from a violent and overbearing father. The protagonist,
Aurel, witnesses the deaths of his father and mother, and is then
ruthlessly exploited by his older sibling, Theron.
The brothers are now free to explore Daddy Norton’s
house, a nightmarish structure of more than three dimensions. Aurel’s
physical explorations parallel his spiritual journey. Goaded by
his brother’s torture to venture into Daddy Norton’s room, he reads
his father’s Holy Word and comes to believe “in the divinity of
the book and in the divine election of Daddy Norton”. Aurel then
realizes his own divine election as Daddy Norton’s disciple and
his own calling to prophesize.
Prophets and Brothers questions
the idea of the existence of God but ultimately leaves the viewer
to decide.
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