Watch Little Chenier

Little Chenier is a heartwarming drama film from 2006, directed by Bethany Ashton Wolf. It’s a story of brotherly love, redemption, and forgiveness amidst the harsh realities of life in rural southern Louisiana. The movie follows the lives of two brothers, Beaux Dupuis (Johnathon Schaech) and Pemon Dupuis (Frederick Koehler), who live in a small Cajun community named Little Chenier, located along the banks of the Atchafalaya River. Beaux is the older, responsible brother who works in the family crawfish business, while Pemon is the younger, mentally challenged brother.

Pemon is a sweet and innocent soul, who is bullied by the townspeople due to his disability. He’s constantly mocked and ridiculed by the local thugs, who use him as a pawn in their criminal activities.

The story takes an interesting turn when the brothers encounter a beautiful and mysterious woman, Marie-Louise LeBauve (Tamara Braun), who is hiding a dark secret from her past. Beaux is immediately smitten by her, while Pemon is skeptical and cautious of her motives. As events unfold, the brothers find themselves in a predicament that could put their lives and freedom in jeopardy.

The movie effectively captures the essence of the Cajun culture, with its vibrant music, colorful characters, and unique dialect. The cinematography by Horacio Marquínez vividly captures the scenic beauty of the bayou landscape, from the swamps to the riverboats.

Johnathon Schaech delivers a powerful and emotionally charged performance as Beaux, portraying a man torn between his duty to his family and his desire for love and personal fulfillment. Schaech conveys a sense of vulnerability and compassion, as well as inner turmoil and conflict, throughout the film.

Frederick Koehler’s portrayal of Pemon is equally impressive, as he adeptly captures the innocence and pure-heartedness of his character. Koehler’s naturalistic and nuanced performance adds depth and authenticity to the movie.

Tamara Braun shines in her role as Marie-Louise, conveying a sense of mystery and allure that is both intriguing and captivating. Her chemistry with Schaech is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the movie's most tender and poignant moments.

Little Chenier is a poignant and heartwarming tale of brotherhood, resilience, and forgiveness, set against the backdrop of Cajun Louisiana. It’s a movie that will leave you moved and inspired, reminding us of the inherent goodness in people and the power of love to overcome adversity.