The Straight Story

audience Reviews

, 91% Audience Score
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    Very nice movie. The very first scene is really slow, but don't worry, the rest of the film is not like that. Great movie if you want to chill and just not think about anything negative.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    David Lynch directed the biographical road adventure drama. The film's ending credits the film in Alvin Straight's memory, whose true account of a 240-mile ride from Iowa to Wisconsin on a lawn mower in 1994 serves as the basis for the film. Richard Farnsworth stars as Alvin, Sissy Spacek plays Alvin's daughter with developmental difficulties, and Harry Dean Stanton as Alvin's brother, whom he visits after Lyle suffers a stroke. The film is one-of-a-kind from David Lynch, who was previously known for his dark crime thrillers. The movie explores familial relationships and individuals' goodwill to strangers, particularly elderly people and young. Alvin's journeys along the route teach people who have gone astray valuable lessons. As an example, he gives a life lesson to the runaway expectant girl he encounters at midnight while camping that if she stayed with her family, she would be more comfortable and cared for by her loved ones, much as sticks cannot be broken together. A humble narrative with stunning photographs of the Midwest's countryside and farmland.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    Great movie really love it
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    It drags on longer than needed, but The Straight Story packs a lot of heart.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    A smooth, comforting cinematic back massage , if you will, that excels on every level. Farnsworth, in all his poetic, gentlemanly stoicism simply shines.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    The Straight Story is a beautifully made film, filled with wonderful characters who eloquently reveal Lynch’s inner feelings of love and compassion for humanity.  It’s also one of the best films David Lynch made.  Highly Recommended. detroitcineaste
  • Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    David Lynch's The Straight Story is a heartfelt departure from his usual surrealism. This simple yet profound tale of Alvin Straight’s journey resonates deeply, blending quiet beauty with emotional weight. The stunning cinematography and Richard Farnsworth’s moving performance make it a deeply human story about perseverance, family, and redemption.
  • Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    Slow paced tale of an exciting adventure a man takes to reconnect with brother, he can't even remember why they fought. Along the way he connects with people he passes sharing his life knowledge and learning a few things himself.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    A film to bring in the New Year when hope is needed. I first saw this absolutely wonderful movie on News Years day in the year 2000. I now own a copy & have watched it often over the years & once again this time bringing in the 2025 New Year. Lynch is not a real favorite of mine as a director but this piece of work shows a side of him that I can really relate to. Some of his other films I find interesting in their unusual narrative & technical complexity but they do not affect me like this one. What is remarkable as well is how real & moving this true story is but without any cheap sentiment whatsoever in its presentation. Farnsworth has his finest 110 minutes as an actor here & everyone in the cast, especially Sissy Spacek, whether they are trained actors or not come across superbly & all elements in the film from music to the cinematography contribute to the films beauty. I will watch this film over & over & its impact + subtle message concerning upbeat but affectingly real human interaction I will cherish forever. Reviewed by Peter Graham
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    An emotional roadtrip of a film.