The Story of Get Low
Get Low tells the story of Felix Bush, a man who's spent four decades alone in the Tennessee woods, cut off from civilization and steeped in local legend. The townspeople whisper about him—rumors and half-truths that've hardened into folklore. Then one day, he walks out of the forest. His mission? To plan his own funeral while he's still alive so he can actually hear what people say about him when he's gone. It's an eccentric premise, sure, but what unfolds is far more psychologically complex than the setup suggests. The film explores loneliness, regret, the stories we tell ourselves, and the gap between myth and reality.
Behind the Making of Get Low
Director Aaron Schneider brought this 2010 film to life with a screenplay by Chris Provenzano and C. Gaby Mitchell that transforms a real historical event—a Tennessee hermit's actual funeral party in the 1930s—into something that feels part folk tale, part fable, part genuine human drama. The cast alone signals the filmmakers' ambition. Robert Duvall, a legend in his own right, anchors the film as Felix Bush and earned the Hollywood Film Festival Award for Best Actor for the role. Alongside him are Bill Murray as a charming funeral home director, Sissy Spacek as a woman from Felix's past, and Lucas Black rounding out the ensemble. The film runs 103 minutes and carries a runtime that allows Schneider to build atmosphere without rushing—there's breathing room here, which matters when you're exploring a character this wounded. While it didn't become a major box office phenomenon, Get Low found its audience among critics and discerning viewers who appreciate character-driven drama that doesn't announce itself with a megaphone.
What Makes Get Low Stand Out
What's striking is how the film refuses to play Felix as a punchline. Yes, there's dark comedy woven through—Bill Murray's performance practically guarantees it—but the movie's real power lies in its willingness to sit with quiet, uncomfortable truths. Duvall's portrayal is one of restraint and sudden vulnerability; you watch him communicate volumes through a glance or the way he holds his shoulders. The thing that keeps me coming back to Get Low is how it treats the funeral itself not as a spectacle but as a reckoning—a chance for Felix to confront the stories, the lies, the love he's avoided for so long. There's a scene late in the film where the townspeople gather to share their tales about him, and it's devastating in its simplicity. Schneider's direction never oversells the moment. The camera doesn't need to; the performances do the work. Critics found the film's blend of mystery, humor, and genuine pathos compelling—a rare tonal balance that could've easily tipped into melodrama or farce but instead lands somewhere honest.
Where to Stream Get Low Online
Get Low is available across major OTT services, and you can check the Where to Watch widget at the top of this page to see which platforms currently have it in your region. Streaming availability shifts, but Movie OTT keeps that information up to date so you don't waste time hunting. Whether you're subscribed to Netflix, Prime Video, or other major services, there's a good chance you'll find it without too much digging. The 103-minute runtime makes it perfect for an evening watch—long enough to get absorbed, short enough to finish in one sitting if you're hooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Get Low based on a true story?
Yes, loosely. The film draws inspiration from the real historical account of a Tennessee hermit in the 1930s who actually did throw his own funeral party while still alive. The filmmakers took that kernel of fact and wove it into a more psychologically complex narrative.
Q: Who directed Get Low?
Aaron Schneider directed the film, working from a screenplay by Chris Provenzano and C. Gaby Mitchell. It was his feature directorial debut and earned significant critical attention for its restraint and craft.
Q: What's the runtime of Get Low?
The film runs 103 minutes, giving Schneider enough space to build atmosphere and character depth without padding the story.
Q: Did Get Low win any awards?
Robert Duvall won the Hollywood Film Festival Award for Best Actor for his lead performance as Felix Bush. While it didn't dominate awards season, the film earned respect from critics who appreciated its understated approach.
Q: What genres does Get Low fit into?
Get Low blends drama, mystery, and comedy. The tagline—"A true tall tale"—captures that tonal mix perfectly. It's not a straight drama, but it's not a comedy either; it's something in between that keeps you off-balance in the best way.
Who Should Watch Get Low
If you're drawn to character studies that don't spell everything out, if you appreciate actors like Duvall and Murray doing their best work, or if you simply want a film that trusts its audience—Get Low is worth your time. It's quiet, it's strange, it's funny in unexpected ways, and it's genuinely moving. Not every film needs to shout to be heard.
