Natural Selection (2011)

Having discovered that her dying husband has an illegitimate child living in Florida, a devout Christian housewife leaves her sheltered world on a mission to reunite father and son.

Director:

Robbie Pickering

Writer:

Robbie Pickering

Stars:

Matt O'Leary, Rachael Harris, John Diehl

11 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Matt O'Leary	...	Raymond
Rachael Harris	...	Linda
John Diehl	...	Abe
Gayland Williams	...	Sheila
Jon Gries	...	Peter
Stephanie King	...	Shaunice
Berna Roberts	...	Porno Nun
Drake Dempsey	...	Porno Priest
Michael Hyland	...	Handsome Doctor
Greg Grosh	...	Sperm Clinic Doctor (as Gregory Grosh)
Rob Huebel	...	Martin
Sam Eidson	...	Homeless Guy #1
Salvador Cabral	...	Homeless Guy #2
Lauren Nailen	...	Wigwam Clerk
Roger Hewitt	...	Old Motel Clerk

Storyline

When a dutiful, albeit barren Christian housewife discovers that her devout husband has suffered a stroke at a sperm bank where he's been secretly donating his seed for the past 25 years, she leaves her sheltered world and starts off on a journey to find his eldest biological son - a mullet-headed, foul-mouthed ex-con with whom she develops an odd but meaningful relationship.

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Plot Keywords:

housewife | christian | sperm bank | florida | stroke | 

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Taglines:

Linda White Has Found Her Son. God Help Her.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexual content, language, brief graphic nudity, a beating and some drug material

Details

Official Sites:

Official Blog Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 March 2012 (USA)

Also Known As:

Fysiki epilogi

Filming Locations:

Austin, Texas, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$3,683 (USA) (30 March 2012)

Gross:

$48,153 (USA) (6 July 2012)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Best Medicine Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Linda asks Raymond in her car if he's in some kind of trouble, the camera cuts away a few times to her reaction, and it's obvious she's reacting to a different actor with a much darker beard.

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Connections

Referenced in Ebert Presents: At the Movies: Episode #1.16 (2011)

User Reviews

Quirky comedy with moving performances in this charming indie

I was somewhat skeptical of the premise of this film (which you can read elsewhere) before I saw it. However, writer and director Robbie Pickering does a masterful job of bringing this original and surprisingly compelling story to life. His main characters are cut from starkly different backgrounds (fundamentalist Christian housewife and petty criminal/drug addict) to good comedic effect but each reveals a depth that is both genuine and touching as the story unfolds. I should also mention that the production is outstanding as well - from the pacing and the cinematography to the score. That's hardly a given for an independent film! Last but certainly not least, the acting is fantastic across the board. Rachael Harris especially shines in what I can honestly describe as an Oscar-worthy performance. I had no idea what a talent she is. I dare you to see this film and not be wildly impressed by her.