The Farmers
An elderly couple confronts unresolved rivalry when they receive a visit from an estranged family member.
Ah – unexpected visits. That NEVER goes well. Does it, now?
Especially not for rural forever-marrieds Jack and Fay. Now in their seventies, they’re poor as dirt country bumpkins. And inarguably past their prime.
As Christine Locker & Lee Ann Riddle’s horror/comedy short The Farmers opens, Jack and Fay linger on the porch of their farm house. The old couple stare out at withering fields, waiting for… who?
Well, judging by their cantakerous dialogue, Fay’s looking forward to the visit. Jack… not so much.
Fay swats Jack’s leg.
FAY
Move. I ain’t got all the time in the world.
We got company coming.
Jack gives her a stink eye.
JACK
I ain’t got no friends.
FAY
Didn’t say your friends.
Jack cackles.
JACK
You ain’t got no friends here either.
Fay moves items around on the porch and continues.
FAY
Kin, Jack. Kin folk is comin’.
Jack rolls his eyes, lights a pipe and returns his gaze out to the corn field.
JACK
Yeah? Thought they don’t want much to do with you.
Apparently, at least one DOES. In preparation, Faye goes and fetches a bowl of green beans. Thrusting it in Jack’s face, she demands he go to work. For once.
Jack looks at the beans, stares up at Fay in disbelief.
JACK
Only one person who loves them beans. Surely it can’t be--
FAY
Yep, my sister, Mary.
JACK
I thought she was sick?
Fay chuckles.
FAY
She was.
JACK
That woman hates my guts.
Turns out – “hate” is a very, very mild word. Once Mary arrives, half buried grudges between the three REALLY boil.
What are they? Well, one shouldn’t “spill the beans” on THIS twist. But let’s just say Mary’s got some pretty solid reasons. And in this rural wasteland time’s almost forgot…
...Jack might finally get his come uppance!
A comedy/horror that’s shootable on a pittance even Jack and Fay might (almost) be able to afford, The Farmers offers terrific humor, dialogue and premise that’ll make even even NON-city slickers applaud!