---
title: "The Apostle"
year: 1997
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-apostle-1997"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 2895
imdb_id: "tt0118632"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 134
community_rating: 6.3
vote_count: 163
content_rating: "PG-13"
---

# The Apostle (1997) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-apostle-1997

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Apostle is a 1997 American independent Southern Gothic drama film written and directed by Robert Duvall, who also stars in the title role. The plot follows Eulis Sonny Dewey, a preacher from Texas whose happy life spins out of control and crumbles, leading him to change his name, move to Louisiana, and start preaching on the radio.

The film features performances by a supporting cast including John Beasley, Farrah Fawcett, Walton Goggins, Billy Bob Thornton, June Carter Cash, Miranda Richardson, and Billy Joe Shaver. With a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes and a PG-13 rating, it delivers a character-focused narrative centered on faith, redemption, and personal turmoil.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A troubled Texas preacher changes his name and starts over in Louisiana."

### Why Watch
- Written and directed by Robert Duvall, who also stars in the title role.
- Features a notable cast including John Beasley, Farrah Fawcett, Walton Goggins, and Billy Bob Thornton.
- Explores the complex life of a preacher whose stable world suddenly crumbles.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes, which may test the patience of viewers looking for a faster-paced story.
- Tone & Suitability: The film is a 1997 American independent Southern Gothic drama rated PG-13 with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #southern-gothic, #drama, #preacher, #indie-film, #texas, #louisiana, #radio

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | None | Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | YouTube Free | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Sky Store |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, YouTube, Amazon Video |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, YouTube |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Robert Duvall
- **Networks / Studios**: Butcher's Run Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Robert Duvall** as *Euliss Dewey*
- **Farrah Fawcett** as *Jessie Dewey*
- **Miranda Richardson** as *Toosie*
- **John Beasley** as *Brother Blackwell*
- **Walton Goggins** as *Sam*
- **Billy Bob Thornton** as *Troublemaker*
- **June Carter Cash** as *Mrs. Dewey Sr.*
- **Billy Joe Shaver** as *Joe*
- **Rick Dial** as *Elmo*
- **Todd Allen** as *Horace*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where to stream The Apostle (1997)?
Options to rent or buy the film are available on digital platforms.

### Q: Whether it is worth watching?
It is a critically noted 1997 American independent Southern Gothic drama written, directed, and starred in by Robert Duvall.

### Q: Binge duration?
The film has a total runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes.

### Q: Essential episodes?
The Apostle is a feature film rather than a television series, so it does not have episodes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Apostle — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/2895)
- [The Apostle (1997) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118632/fullcredits/)
- [The Apostle - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Apostle)
- [The Apostle (1997) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/2895-the-apostle/cast)
- [The Apostle - Full Cast & Crew - TV Guide](https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-apostle/cast/2030102054/)
- [Robert Duvall | Movies, Age, Godfather, TV Shows, Oscar, & Facts](https://www.britannica.com/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*