Watch The Yearling

As a tale of coming-of-age, courage and love, The Yearling from 1994 takes us on a journey to the Florida wilderness in the late 19th century. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, the movie explores the life of Jody Baxter (Wil Horneff), a young boy who lives with his parents, Ezra and Orry (Peter Strauss and Jean Smart), and Granny (Melissa Clayton).

Growing up in the woods, Jody connects closely with his surroundings and the animals he encounters. However, as his family struggles to make ends meet, Jody finds himself torn between his love for nature and his duty to provide for his family. His father, a hardworking man, tries to teach Jody how to survive in the woods, and his mother, a protective figure, wants him to become educated and cultured.

When Jody finds a fawn left alone, he nurses it back to health and makes it his pet. The yearling quickly becomes his closest companion, his best friend, and a symbol of his maturity and responsibility. However, as the yearling grows and starts to eat crops, Jody’s father sees it as a threat to their livelihood, and he orders Jody to shoot it.

Jody finds himself struggling with conflicting emotions, and he feels that he must choose between his family and his best friend. Furthermore, Jody’s relationship with his strict father becomes strained, and he finds solace in the company of his mother and Granny. As Jody tries to find a way out of his difficult situation, he learns valuable lessons about courage, responsibility, and the importance of family.

Throughout the movie, we see Jody’s character evolve from a child to a young man, and we see how his relationships with the people around him shape his values and beliefs. Peter Strauss delivers a fantastic performance as the stern yet loving father, Ezra. Strauss captures the struggle of a man who is trying to provide for his family while keeping his emotions in check. Jean Smart shines as the caring and compassionate mother, Orry. Smart portrays a woman who is trying to instill values in her son while finding balance in her own life.

However, the movie truly belongs to Wil Horneff, who delivers a striking performance as Jody. Horneff flawlessly portrays the innocence and vulnerability of a young boy who learns about the harsh realities of life. In the scene where Jody must make the tough decision about his yearling, Horneff shows us the pain and fear in his eyes that are beyond his years.

The movie’s cinematography is breathtaking, and the Florida wilderness serves as the perfect backdrop to the story. The director, Rod Hardy, has created a visual masterpiece that captures the beauty and harshness of life in the wilderness. Furthermore, the movie’s music by Carl Davis adds an emotional depth that enhances the story's themes and character development.

In conclusion, The Yearling from 1994 is a moving and poignant tale that explores the complexities of growing up and the importance of family. The movie’s outstanding performances, stunning visuals, and a captivating storyline combine to create a timeless masterpiece. Whether you are young or old, this movie can inspire you to rediscover your love for nature and your family.

The Yearling is a 1994 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.