The True Story of the Robertson Family

Honestly, I never watched Duck Dynasty or followed anything about the Robertson family, but decided to see this film so I could write this review. My expectations were low, but I went into the movie with an open mind. In The Blind Christian Movie Review, I give you the information you need before viewing this movie with your children.

The Blind Christian Movie Review

Studio Synopsis:

Tread Lively, GND Media Group and Fathom Events announce the release of THE BLIND, premiering in theaters nationwide beginning September 28th. Based on the life of Phil and Kay Robertson, THE BLIND is a powerful true story of love, hardship, and redemption. With a talented cast, including Aron von Andrian (DODGER), Amelia Eve (THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR), Brielle Robillard (The Lake), Matthew Erick White (Station 19), and directed by Andrew Hyatt (PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST; FULL OF GRACE), THE BLIND shows that no one is beyond the grace of God, and no one is so far gone that they cannot turn their life around.

My Synopsis:

The Blind is a true story that depicts the lives of Phil and Kay Robertson from the time they were young. It tells the story of trauma and brokenness, family sins, and how the demons we carry with us hold us in our sins. 

It also tells a powerful story of forgiveness and redemption.

The Blind Christian Review: What Parents Want to Know

Language:

One use of d-mmit, h-ll and sh-t. While there are very few instances of foul language, there is some other crude language such as dang, and children are called riff-raff.

The worst part is the abuse and yelling that Phil’s mom inflicts on her children. Later Phil verbally abuses his wife.

Phil verbally fights with his wife. In addition, he complains about her often such as, “She will not leave me alone.”

Violence:

This film depicts incidents of domestic violence. While very little violence is shown, it is interesting to note that what I consider mild is probably actually more severe to some people.

Phil drinks a lot and gets angry. 

During a fight, Phil turns over a table and pushes Kay into the refrigerator knocking her head. In another scene, it is dark, Phil grabs Kay’s arms is verbally fighting with her, and she says, “you are hurting me.” Additionally, he screams at her, “Keep your mouth shut.”

Phil’s mom fights her own demons. It is implied mental illness, and she has “spells.” They show a county truck taking mom away to a mental institution. Furthermore, there is a mention of “shock treatment,” and Phil’s mom is seen with a dead look in her eyes.

Spiritual Content:

Jesus Christ as the way to salvation is clearly laid out by the end of this movie.

A pre-teen child tells her dad, “You could close the store and come to church. It would be good for your soul.”

People are shown praying throughout the movie.

Another person says, “I like to spend my Sundays celebrating God in other ways.” He is then shown drinking (including moonshine), and shooting.

Phil says, “I think I saw the devil. I think he might be me.”

Kay says, “He becomes the devil, but it ain’t him.”

Phil is shown being baptized in the river.

Additional spiritual lines include:

“Jesus says I got to forgive you.” “I’m going to be praying for you.” “Who is going to be Lord of your life.”

Phil’s motto is “Faith. Family. Ducks.”

Adult Content:

Kay holds a bottle of pills. Later she tells someone she was thinking of doing something stupid.

A couple is shown “necking” in a parked car. Then, they “marry” in the woods with just the two of them (no pastor or family). Later the girl is shown pregnant. 

Many scenes deal with being in a bar. Additionally, there are numerous scenes with smoking and drinking, and the drinking begins to overtake Phil. Furthermore, there are numerous scenes where he is “fall down” drunk. In fact, he is even shown with a flask at work.

There are a few instances of Phil “flirting” with other women. Nothing is shown, but the implication is that he is unfaithful.

He is also shown drinking and driving. He crashes into a tree.

Positive Content:

From a young age, Phil hunts to feed his family. 

Kay forgives Phil’s sins. Be aware, this is a story of redemption and the beauty that can be created after you give your life to Jesus. It is also a story of getting out of your own way and letting go of the shame to lead others to Christ.

Christian Review of The Blind – My Viewing Recommendations

In 2018, the movie, I Can Only Imagine came out. Hollywood was perplexed at the success of that movie. While Hollywood continues to push out pure garbage, they are always shocked at a true story that talks of Jesus and redemption. However, just as I got it then, I get it now. The world is hungry for healing and something greater than themselves.

It is an honor to review faith-based movies and help spread the word about them.

AND it is a great honor to review excellent faith-based movies. Overall, this film was much better than I expected.

This movie has a PG-13 rating due to abuse and domestic violence, drinking, and smoking. However, to anyone who has experienced domestic violence as a child or adult, it certainly can be very triggering. While it tells a story of redemption and forgiveness in one family, there is a lot to unpack and process. I would caution anyone younger than 13-15 seeing The Blind.

About the Movie – The Blind:

Rating: PG-13 thematic content and smoking

Release Date: September 28, 2023

Runtime: 1 hour, 48 minutes

Genre: Christian Drama

Studio: Tread Lively

Director: Andrew Hyatt

Written by: Andrew Hyatt, Stephanie Katz

Producer: Korie Robertson, Brittany Lefebvre, Zach Dasher, Robert Katz, Cole Prine

Cast of The Blind:

Phil Robertson played by Aron von 

Kay Robertson played by Amelia Eve

Phil Robertson (teen) played by Matthew Erick White

Kay Robertson (teen) played by Brielle Robillard

Phil (age 12) played by Ronan Carroll

Kay (age 11) played by Scarlett Abinante

Big Al Boleyn played by Connor Tillman

Pastor Smith played by John Ales

Merritt Robertson (Phil’s mom) played by Kerry Knuppe

Si Robertson played by Aaron Dalla Villa

Age 15 – Si played by Grant Davidson

Age 10 – Si played by Brasher Russell

Jan played by Emily Deforest

Age 12 – Jan played by Sofia Sorano Xavier

Age 6 – Jan played by Ezra DuVall

James Robertson played by Clint James

W Anita Carroway played by Whitney Goin

Willie Carroway played by Tom McCafferty

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I watch The Blind?

Currently, The Blind can be seen in movie theaters. It was released on September 28, 2023.

Is there an end credit scene for The Blind?

While there is not an end credit scene for The Blind, Phil Robertson does speak at the end of the movie.

Where was The Blind filmed?

This movie was filmed in Shreveport, Louisiana. However, there were other locations throughout Louisiana including West Monroe and Vivian that were used.

Was Phil unfaithful to Kay?

While infidelity is implied in the movie, they do not come right out and say it. However, Phil does have an adult daughter who was born to a woman he had an affair with after he was married and before he became a Christian.

What happened to Phil Robertson’s mom?

While not much is written about Merritt Robertson, it appears that she died in 2009 in West Monroe, Louisiana, at the age of 95.

Is The Blind movie about Duck Dynasty or Duck Commander?

While The Blind is primarily about Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty, it does touch on his family and their lives growing up. However, there is a scene that shows how Phil got started with Duck Commander.

Additionally, this film is about Phil Robertson and his Christian testimony. It features how he went from a lost sinner and an alcoholic and how he died to his sins and turned his life over to Jesus.