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An old west family ranch is thrown into chaos by a prodigal cowboy’s return

Film Summary

In 'THE OTHER SON', a prodigal cowboy returns to his family's ranch seeking reconciliation, but instead of his merciful father, he is met by his embittered brother, igniting a clash of past grievances, buried secrets, and the rugged pursuit of redemption amid the untamed terrain of the frontier. A turbulent tale of family and the power of forgiveness.


Script synopsis

A re-imagining of the parable of the Prodigal Son, told from the perspective of the unforgiving older brother, THE OTHER SON deals with the cost of harboring resentment and the power of reconciliation. Complicated further by the sins of the prodigal’s past following him home to the ranch, our steadfast hero grapples with what is the ‘right’ course to take amidst these newfound threats. With themes of family and brotherhood woven throughout a tale of deception, power, righteousness, and betrayal, we use the stark storytelling of the western genre to explore the heart of the beloved parable.

LUKE SHEPHERD

The steadfast elder brother, Luke’s stoic and stern resolve mask an inner turmoil. As his father falters, he shoulders the Ranch's responsibilities alone, clinging to his martyrdom. However, the return of his reckless brother and his father's leniency ignite the storm of bitterness within him that may lead to the ruination of them all.

Key Characters

ELI SHEPHERD

The younger brother to Luke, departed with his father's blessings and a purse heavy with promise, determined to forge his legacy. Yet beneath a mask of success, his return unveils a shattered man, his fortune squandered amidst a path of debauchery and ruin that now threatens to overwhelm his family.

Solomon Shepherd

The patriarch of the Shepherd ranch, slowed by age and illness Solomon has been forced to turn over the day-to-day of his ranch to Luke. The return of his beloved Eli bouys him with a newfound energy, but at the cost of his relationship with his dependable eldest son and the future of Shepherd Ranch.

Mary Shephard

Luke’s wife and the daughter of the sheriff in the nearby town, Mary has reluctantly taken on the role of Shephard matriach after the untimely death of Luke and Eli’s mother. Fiercely protective of her young family, Mary is a worthy and equally devoted companion for Luke.

"Father, I have done everything right. And yet, it’s him you love.”

- Luke Shepherd

FILM TOne

  • Classic
  • Courageous
  • Nostalgic
  • Wholesome
  • Dramatic
  • Emotional
  • Poignant
  • Thought-provoking

"The prodigal son is one of my favorite stories from the bible…but I always wanted to know more of the oldest sons journey. Does he actually listen to the father or does he keep hold of that anger and resentment? It is my desire that this film will move people to action, encouraging those sitting in the theater to leave changed and embrace the power of love and forgiveness."

- Aaron Carnahan

"The renaissance of the western genre is exciting as a Writer/Director. It re-opens an avenue to tell these kinds of stories in a setting where the absolutes of good and evil exist in such unique and well understood archetypes. The cowboy film endures."

- Daniel Grace

Visual reference

About Embark features

Our mission is to create powerful and transformative stories that move us to action. As a film company focused on feature narrative and documentary films, we strive to move people through the art of cinema. We believe in the power of films to inspire, to educate, and to unite.

past Feature Films

Finding Josephine |  Civil-War drama

Exclusive distribution deal with Wal-Mart | 4.6/5 on Amazon

To Joey with love | theatrical documentary

Grossed $3.7m+ | 4.8/5 on Amazon | 8.7/10 on IMDb | 96% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes

Doctor/patient | medical documentary

Released April 2024

Contact Us

Email

aaron@embarkfeatures.com

phone

720-459-0800

website

www.embarkfeatures.com