Hands That Bind

Hands That Bind is set on an isolated family farm where Andy Hollis, a long-serving hired hand, has quietly been maneuvering to take control after years of toil. He's practical and patient, aiming to turn his proximity to the land into security. Plans change when Dirk Longridge, the absent son of the farm owner, returns, claiming his legal and emotional stake in the property. The arrival upends alliances, brings old resentments into the open, and forces characters to reckon with loyalty, class, and inheritance. Tension grows as private histories surface and everyday chores become tests of will, while the story keeps its focus on character interactions rather than broad spectacle. Old loyalties are tested when ownership and identity collide head-on.

Released in 2021, Hands That Bind was created and directed by Kyle Armstrong. The ensemble includes Paul Sparks, Susan Kent, Landon Liboiron, Nicholas Campbell, and Bruce Dern. The film reads as an original, spare, quiet drama rooted in rural settings.

Box office and distribution details aren't widely reported, which suggests the film likely played the festival circuit or had a limited theatrical or digital release. Public revenue figures for the title have not been broadly published. Earnings details remain minimal.

While not a mainstream hit, the movie found attention for its portrayal of rural power dynamics and quiet, intense confrontations. Viewers and niche critics have pointed to the realistic farm setting and the performances, especially the late-arrival arrogance of Dirk and the measured resolve of Andy, as memorable elements overall.

Audience ratings list a high score, 9.0 out of 10 from one voter, indicating some positive response. The film foregrounds themes of entitlement, labor and family obligation, and it leans on slow-burning tension and small gestures to reveal character. Performances and atmosphere tend to shape most reactions. Viewers praised Dern.