This was an interesting and ambitious short, as it was set in the late 20's and deals with a criminal kingpin who tries to solicit the murder of a sheriff - from there, things spiral out of control pretty quickly. I won't spoil the ending for you, but definitely worth a watch if you're into 20th century period pieces.
10 Reviews
Great Short Film
vigilant5628 February 2020
The Farmhand is throw back to the 1920s where if a person stood in your way you found a way to remove them even if they appeared to be untouchable. The film's cinematography is top notch and will make you feel as though you are watching a big budget period film.
Terrible...
davee2011-180-80260015 May 2020
Awful
luckydogjudy6 June 2020
It must be the cast and crew posting the 9/10 star reviews because anyone who actually watches this movie will realize in the first five minutes how bad the acting, script and directing are. Who are they kidding? It is a joke! Don't waste your time.
Beautiful Prohibition-Era Dramatic Romance
TheAll-SeeingI17 March 2020
Shot in the pastoral Midlands of South Carolina, the engrossing period piece "The Farmhand" takes us back to Prohibition and the paradoxical lawlessness it created.
Grayson Livingston (Russell Shealy) is an assassin retained by a bootlegger to eliminate the business bottleneck that is Sheriff Henry Lloyd (Stephen Royal Phillips). Yet a critical mistake by Grayson soon finds him in the role of fleeing fugitive. Finding shelter on a nearby farm, he's put to work as a farmhand, leading to a dangerous romantic relationship with the farm owner's wife Constance (Carrie Anne Hunt), and all while Sheriff Lloyd continues his pursuit.
This is a beautifully shot film that literally and figuratively covers a lot of ground. "The Farmhand" appears to have been a film festival circuit darling, and on the basis of its committed actor performances, beautiful location work, and a shrewdly conceived script, it's easy to see why. Highly recommended. - (Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!)
Grayson Livingston (Russell Shealy) is an assassin retained by a bootlegger to eliminate the business bottleneck that is Sheriff Henry Lloyd (Stephen Royal Phillips). Yet a critical mistake by Grayson soon finds him in the role of fleeing fugitive. Finding shelter on a nearby farm, he's put to work as a farmhand, leading to a dangerous romantic relationship with the farm owner's wife Constance (Carrie Anne Hunt), and all while Sheriff Lloyd continues his pursuit.
This is a beautifully shot film that literally and figuratively covers a lot of ground. "The Farmhand" appears to have been a film festival circuit darling, and on the basis of its committed actor performances, beautiful location work, and a shrewdly conceived script, it's easy to see why. Highly recommended. - (Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!)
Decent short with caveats
MediaManAlpha23 March 2020
This independent short is certainly a quality piece of work, but there are some caveats. Though the cinematography is decent, things like production design, wardrobe, and props are a bit hampered by the restrictive budget. It was certainly a feat to create a period based, budget conscious indie short, but the film falters a bit under the strain of it with some set, wardrobe, and prop nuances not entirely matching the period.
The acting for the most part was acceptable, but would have benefited from further editing. Though I enjoy period films, this grew long in the tooth at 42 minutes. There's simply not enough substance to command such a run time. The sound was another spot that could have used some work... there's wind noise and rumble from the mic when outdoors in spots. One last point, the heavy handed approach to the material made some of this feel long winded. If there were more humor, whimsy, fun or action, that 42 minutes wouldn't have seemed so long.
The directors were ambitious and show promise in future endeavors, I'm looking forward to seeing them grow and create more material. Having stuck the credits out, I can see they are both very talented and have their fingerprints all over this project. Here's to hoping their next budget can get them into the roles they are best at instead of forcing them to exhaust their efforts.
The acting for the most part was acceptable, but would have benefited from further editing. Though I enjoy period films, this grew long in the tooth at 42 minutes. There's simply not enough substance to command such a run time. The sound was another spot that could have used some work... there's wind noise and rumble from the mic when outdoors in spots. One last point, the heavy handed approach to the material made some of this feel long winded. If there were more humor, whimsy, fun or action, that 42 minutes wouldn't have seemed so long.
The directors were ambitious and show promise in future endeavors, I'm looking forward to seeing them grow and create more material. Having stuck the credits out, I can see they are both very talented and have their fingerprints all over this project. Here's to hoping their next budget can get them into the roles they are best at instead of forcing them to exhaust their efforts.
Not too bad
fmwongmd14 May 2020
A true indie 1920's gem.
harriscalvin-126 March 2020
The farmhand was a true indie gem. Director Michelle Elise Harding did a fantastic job with her cast & crew. Set in the 1920's, this crime drama turn love story gives the viewer a look at the conflict surrounding the lead actor; Russell Shealy. The storyline was well developed and the music, editing and camera work were on point.
Period Drama in 1920s South Carolina
JGReviews25 February 2020
The Farmhand is a well-executed indie period drama set in 1920s South Carolina. I was lured in by the film's festival accolades on the poster and The Farmhand proved worthy of its recognition. The plot is interesting and complex, with obstacles on all sides of the lead character Grayson, whether that's a kingpin, sheriff, or a complicated relationship. It really makes for a nice build to the climax of the film. The Farmhand breezes by and is certainly worth your time at a brisk 42 minutes. It's nice to have an opportunity to find independent films like these.
Pleasantly delivered story about the old west.
jo-1426530 November 2020
I enjoyed this film due to its simpleton backdrop of farming in the old west and how drifters would travel from place to place looking for work and or adventure. The actors are passionate in delivering their lines with conviction. Once the relatively short film has ended it kept you hoping for a better outcome for the leading characters. It a very nice simple enjoyable film that takes you back in time.
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