Watch Daddy's Dyin': Who's Got the Will?

In the 1990 film Daddy's Dyin': Who's Got the Will?, a dysfunctional Southern family gathers together for the impending death of their patriarch, Buford Turnover. The film follows the struggles of the Turnover family as they confront old wounds and secrets while battling over their father's will. Beau Bridges stars as Orville, the eldest son of Buford, who has stayed in their hometown and never left the family business of running a gas station. Orville is a kind-hearted and simple man who has a strained relationship with his father, but he still loves him deeply. Beau Bridges' performance captures Orville's loving nature and his struggle with his father's rejection.

Keith Carradine plays an aspiring writer named Sonny who has distanced himself from his family by moving to New York. Sonny has always felt out of place in his family, and he uses his writing as an escape. However, when he returns home, he is forced to face the reality of his family's dysfunction. Carradine's portrayal of Sonny is nuanced and complex, capturing the character's underlying pain and his attempts to keep his family at arm's length.

Beverly D'Angelo appears as Lurlene, Orville's wife and the mother of their two children. Lurlene is a tough and independent woman who tries to hold the family together as they all gather in the old family home. However, she is also harboring a deep secret about their marriage that threatens to tear Orville and Lurlene apart. D'Angelo's performance is strong and grounded, portraying Lurlene's strength and vulnerability with nuance.

As the family comes together, they begin to bicker and fight over their father's will. Buford has not left a clear outline for how his assets should be distributed, and each of his children has their own motives for what they want from his estate. The tension between the siblings builds as they all vie for control over the family's legacy.

Throughout the film, we learn more about the Turnover family's troubled past. They have all been deeply affected by their father's emotional abuse, and each character is dealing with their own set of demons. From Orville's struggles with alcoholism to Sonny's deep sense of failure, the film treats each character's struggles with care and depth.

One of the film's standout performances comes from Tess Harper, who plays Sara Lee Turnover, the sister who stayed home to take care of their father. Sara Lee is a deeply religious woman who is overwhelmed with sadness over her father's death. Harper's performance is grounded and emotional, bringing depth to Sara Lee's struggles with grief and the burden of responsibility.

Director Jack Fisk brings a steady hand to the film, balancing the family's bickering and personal drama with moments of humor and heart. The film's dialogue is sharp and realistic, capturing the rhythms of Southern speech with authenticity.

Overall, Daddy's Dyin': Who's Got the Will? is a heartfelt exploration of family dysfunction and the struggles of dealing with a loved one's death. The strong performances and nuanced storytelling make it a memorable film that resonates long after it's over.