Is Abilene Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Abilene is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 104 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Abilene Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1999, Abilene emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When he finds out that his estranged brother is dying, a proud but stubborn old man decides to drive in his lawnmower all the way to the far away hospital. Unlike standard genre fare, Abilene attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Abilene features a noteworthy lineup led by Ernest Borgnine . Supported by the likes of Kim Hunter and James Morrison , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Abilene (1999) is negative. With an audience rating of NR, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Abilene Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Abilene is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Abilene Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Abilene attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Abilene reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Abilene?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Abilene
- Ernest Borgnine – Hotis Brown
- Kim Hunter – Emmeline Brown
- James Morrison – Bernie
- Park Overall – Betty
- Rance Howard – Arliss
Top Highlights
Ernest BorgnineHotis Brown
Kim HunterEmmeline Brown
James MorrisonBernie
Park OverallBetty
Rance HowardArliss
Wendell PierceReverend Tillis
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Abilene has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Abilene stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1999 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abilene movie hit or flop?
Abilene is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Abilene worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Abilene may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Abilene online?
Abilene may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
How Abilene Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Abilene
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Ernest Borgnine
Square Roots: The Story of SpongeBob SquarePants
Rat Pack
The Spencer Tracy Legacy: A Tribute by Katharine Hepburn