and John and Stephen Hayes on the other side unwilling to let the matter rest, despite their brother Cleaman's attempts to stop the feud. Son and Boy invade their half-brothers' farm and attack Stephen, but are interrupted and hospitalized by the remaining family and other farm workers. Annie and Cheryl are left grieving and bewildered by the continued fighting. Boy purchases a shotgun and holds Cleaman at gunpoint, but hesitates after seeing the man's sons, and leaves. Boy expresses worry that Son will kill himself trying to protect him from the half-brothers. He recalls how Son received his scars while protecting him and Kid. The second family arms themselves with shotguns on their farm, bracing for a shootout. Boy arrives at the farm unarmed and states that he is done fighting, offering a truce. The less combative half-brothers force Stephen to accept the truce, but he worries that Son will not hold to the agreement. Afterwards, Son awakens from his coma. Boy returns to Son, who recuperates from his injuries. The movie ends with the beginning of fall, with Cleaman seeing his youngest brother John off to college, Boy coaching again, and Son living at home with Annie and their son, Carter. The final scene of the movie shows Son and Boy enjoying a peaceful afternoon on the porch with Carter. Cast Son Hayes – Michael Shannon Boy Hayes – Douglas Ligon Kid Hayes – Barlow Jacobs Nicole – Natalie Canerday Annie Hayes – Glenda Pannell Stephen Hayes – Lynnsee Provence Cleaman Hayes – Michael Abbott Jr. Mark Hayes – Travis Smith Shampoo Douglas – G. Alan Wilkins Critical reception Shotgun Stories has positive reviews, earning an 90% "Certified Fresh" rating at Rotten Tomatoes from 49 reviews, with an average rating of 7.3/10. The site's critical consensus reads: "Thanks to a talented cast and its uncommon depth, Nichols' debut manages to rise above its overly familiar plot." It appeared on several critics' top ten lists of the best films of 2008. Bill White of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer named it the best film of 2008, Philip Martin of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette named it the 3rd best film of 2008, David Edelstein of New York magazine named it the 8th best film of 2008, and Roger Ebert of Chicago Sun-Times named it one of the best films of the year. References External links 2007 films 2007 drama films 2007 directorial debut films