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Chrystal

Play trailer Poster for Chrystal R 2004 2h 0m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
80% Tomatometer 20 Reviews 57% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
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).
Chrystal

What to Know

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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Critics Reviews

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Kevin Crust Los Angeles Times Jun 9, 2005
3/5
Chrystal unravels a bit toward the end as it becomes more fable-like, but the performances make it worthwhile. Go to Full Review Todd McCarthy Variety May 27, 2005
Respectable piece of work is reasonably involving if not compelling. Go to Full Review Eric Harrison Houston Chronicle May 27, 2005
3/4
It's meandering and uneven, but much of it is powerfully effective and affecting. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Apr 13, 2026
3/4
This is the sort of film in which the story often feels incidental to its makers’ ability to capture a specific landscape and its people. Go to Full Review Film Threat Dec 6, 2005
3/5
Ken Hanke Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC) Sep 1, 2005
3.5/5
A sometimes audacious, occasionally downright brilliant, always watchable work that somehow just misses being wholly successful. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Feb 12, 2014 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. See more Sep 3, 2013 at times I wondered why I was still watching this movie, but yet I couldn't pull myself away. See more Sep 3, 2012 100% my kinda movie. See more Jul 8, 2012 Excellent acting and directing in this indie drama. Unfortunately it's let down by a rather weak and somewhat drawn out story. See more May 13, 2012 I liked this movie even with all the uncomfortable moments. Great actors in this authentic Southern film. See more Apr 28, 2012 Very crazy, but as always, Billy's dead feelings always stand out. See more Read all reviews
Chrystal

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Cast & Crew

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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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Chrystal

Chrystal (2004) View more photos

Movie Info

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
Producer
Ray McKinnon, David Koplan, Bruce Heller, Walton Goggins, Lisa Blount
Screenwriter
Ray McKinnon
Production Co
Ginny Mule Pictures, Chrystal Productions, Panache 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
Runtime
2h 0m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby Digital
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