St. Nick (2009)
A poetic, wordless drama about two children surviving alone in the Texas wilderness, from director David Lowery.
St. Nick - Movie Information
- Original Title: St. Nick
- Release Year: 2009
- Directed by: David Lowery
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 15, 2009 (United States)
- Production Companies: Zero Trans Fat Productions, Beautiful Confusion Films, Sailor Bear
- Production Countries: United States of America
St. Nick - Plot
St. Nick is the story of a brother and sister on the run. They've left their home for some unknown reason and are living in the woods, hiding in barns and sheds, doing what they can to survive. As the bitter Texas winter sets in, they strike up residence in an abandoned country house and, for a brief, happy period, manage to escape the harsh realities of their circumstances.
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St. Nick - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- David Lowery
Main Cast
- Savanna Sears
- Tucker Sears
- Monique Byars
- Riley Cole
- Brooke Devenney
- Alexandra Doke
- Jacqueline Doke
- Nicolette Doke
- Stephanie Swart
- Richard L. Olsen
Writers
- David Lowery
Producers
- James M. Johnston
St. Nick - FAQs
What is St. Nick about?
St. Nick follows a young brother and sister who have run away from home for reasons left deliberately unexplained. They survive in the Texas wilderness — sheltering in barns, sheds, and eventually an abandoned farmhouse — as winter closes in. The film is a quiet, lyrical portrait of childhood resilience and the bond between siblings.
Why did the children run away in St. Nick?
The film never explicitly reveals why the siblings left home — and that ambiguity is entirely intentional. Director David Lowery keeps the backstory deliberately vague, focusing instead on the children's present-tense survival and emotional world. The mystery invites viewers to project their own interpretations onto the story.
Who directed St. Nick and what is his style?
St. Nick was directed by David Lowery, who would later go on to make Ain't Them Bodies Saints, A Ghost Story, and The Green Knight. Even in this early feature, his signature style is unmistakable — slow, contemplative pacing, sparse dialogue, and a deep sensitivity to landscape and mood.
Where can you watch St. Nick online?
You can find streaming and viewing options for St. Nick on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your location, so it's worth checking there for the most up-to-date options for rental, purchase, or streaming.
Is St. Nick based on a true story?
St. Nick is not based on a specific true story. It is an original screenplay written by David Lowery. However, the film draws on universal childhood experiences of fear, freedom, and the desire to escape, giving it an emotional authenticity that feels deeply grounded in real human experience.
Who are the main actors in St. Nick?
The film centers on real-life siblings Savanna Sears and Tucker Sears, who play the unnamed girl and boy at the heart of the story. Their naturalistic, unaffected performances are central to the film's power. The supporting cast includes Monique Byars, Riley Cole, Brooke Devenney, and Richard L. Olsen.
How was St. Nick received by critics?
St. Nick earned strong praise on the festival circuit, with critics highlighting David Lowery's assured visual storytelling and the remarkable performances from its young leads. Reviewers frequently noted its poetic restraint and the way it evokes childhood wonder and vulnerability without sentimentality or conventional narrative structure.
What are some films similar to St. Nick?
If St. Nick resonated with you, try Kisses (2008), a similarly tender Irish film about two children on the run, or The Fugitive Kind (1960) for another story of outsiders seeking refuge. Racing with the Moon (1984) and Come Sunday (2018) also share the film's quiet, character-driven sensibility.
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