The Apostle

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The Apostle

PG-13

1998

2h 28m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

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50 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

After Sonny (Robert Duvall), an eccentric Pentecostal preacher, learns that his wife is having an affair, he beats her lover into a coma and flees the state of Texas. Now in a small Louisiana town, Sonny goes by the name of "Apostle E.F." and opens a new church with the help of a retired reverend (John Beasley). While battling personal demons and injecting new life into his congregation, Sonny dates a radio station worker (Miranda Richardson) and searches for peace in his new life.

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Critics Consensus

A nuanced sermon on the contradictions of faith as well as a blistering showcase for its director and star, The Apostle will leave audiences evangelizing the immensity of Robert Duvall's talent.

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Emanuel Levy

Variety

Feb 18, 2006

4/5

A labor of love coming to fruition after 13 years, this is Robert Duvall's third and best directorial effort, a sharply observed exploration of a preacher who embarks on a redemption odyssey after committing a crime.

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Steven D. Greydanus

Decent Films

Jul 19, 2003

A-

Disturbing but thought-provoking depiction of genuine faith coexisting with sin and carnality… like the troubling fiction of Evelyn Waugh, Graham Greene, and Flannery O'Connor, a vindication of belief without being a vindication of every believer.

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Jan 1, 2000

4/4

"The Apostle" is like a lesson in how movies can escape from convention and penetrate the hearts of rare characters.

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Dan DiNicola

The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY)

Jan 19, 2023

A

Instead of reducing his minister to an Elmer Gantry hypocrite, Duvall gives us a flawed man who nevertheless has a deep, loving religious conviction. This is the finest movie ever made about a minister or priest.

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Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

Jan 7, 2023

1.5/4

If you can stand to sit for two hours and listen to a sermon and really want to see Robert Duvall’s performance by all means go see it, but if you’re not as patient as I tried to be this is not the film for you.

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

Sep 2, 2020

3.5/4.0

Duvall's script is one of subtle grace and beauty.

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Jerod S

@jeroduptown 2 days ago

Duvall is a preacher with a bit of a temper - and more teaching from his upbringing in church than from the actual bible. When he beats his wife's lover with a bat, he has limited time to start a new church on the run.

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Cindy T

@Cindybelle Aug 14, 2026

Just watched this for the first time and am completely overwhelmed. The most honest, soul-searching, and nonjudgmental film about religion I have ever seen. Bravo, Robert Duvall. I am so moved right now. I’ll be thinking about this movie for a long time.

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Scott S.

@sonofwaldo Feb 20, 2026

A classic and Robert NEVER disappoints - an American treasure.

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Richard P

@RT95211989 Sep 1, 2025

Very moving film about the power of focusing your life around a vision of great importance to yourself; and success against all odds. And of his love for his fellow man

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Ryan F

@AfroRyan Feb 6, 2024

A superbly well acted movie with an amazing cast. From recognizable actors to seasoned character actors with plenty of background actors as well, literally all of them seemed like you could bump into them at the grocery store or church; very authentic in that regard. The story is simple and concise, but also complicated and profound. It's not an easy thing to pull off, and I'd argue very few movies manage to do it. This, Slingblade, and The Straight Story are some examples that come to mind, but many movies fail to achieve this level of quality and humanity.

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karen n

@karen99 Jun 13, 2023

Incredible acting such a grass root movie wonderful story. It's so good it would make an atheist become a Christian. Loved it

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Robert Duvall

Director

Robert Duvall

Euliss 'Sonny' Dewey-The Apostle E.F.

Farrah Fawcett

Jessie Dewey

Miranda Richardson

Toosie

Todd Allen

Horace

John Beasley

Brother C. Charles Blackwell

The Apostle: Official Clip - On My Way to Heaven

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The Apostle: Official Clip - I'll Fly Away

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The Apostle: Official Clip - Last Rites

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Synopsis

After Sonny (Robert Duvall), an eccentric Pentecostal preacher, learns that his wife is having an affair, he beats her lover into a coma and flees the state of Texas. Now in a small Louisiana town, Sonny goes by the name of "Apostle E.F." and opens a new church with the help of a retired reverend (John Beasley). While battling personal demons and injecting new life into his congregation, Sonny dates a radio station worker (Miranda Richardson) and searches for peace in his new life.

Director: Robert Duvall
Producer: Rob Carliner
Screenwriter: Robert Duvall
Distributor: October Films
Production Co: Butcher's Run Films
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 20, 1998, Original
Release Date (Streaming): May 8, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $20.8M
Runtime: 2h 28m
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround
Aspect Ratio: 35mm

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