The Sunset Limited is a 2011 American television film directed by Tommy Lee Jones, based on the play of the same name by Cormac McCarthy. The film stars Jones and Samuel L. Jackson as two unnamed characters, referred to in the credits only as “White” and “Black,” respectively.
The entire film takes place in a single location – the sparsely furnished apartment of Black, a former convict and ex-preacher, who has just saved White from attempting suicide by jumping in front of a train. The film revolves around a philosophical conversation between the two characters, as they debate the meaning of life, death, and faith.
The Sunset Limited received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise directed towards the strong performances of Jones and Jackson, as well as the thought-provoking themes explored in the film. The film’s dialogue-heavy approach and minimalist staging have been both praised and criticized, with some finding it engaging and others finding it static and dull. Overall, The Sunset Limited is a somber and introspective exploration of life’s biggest questions, driven by powerful performances and a nuanced script.
Duration: 91 min.