Otis E. (2009)
A raw, character-driven drama about one man's struggle to reclaim his humanity after 15 years in solitary confinement.
Otis E. - Movie Information
- Original Title: Otis E.
- Release Year: 2009
- Directed by: Jeff Daniel Phillips
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 25, 2009
- Alternative Titles: Convict (US)
Otis E. - Plot
After spending nearly 15 years in solitary confinement, Otis is released back into society. Under the supervision of Los Angeles County Probation Officer, John Anderson, he moves into a transitional facility where his re-assimilation can be monitored. Otis attempts to start a new life but the past is too enticing. The decisions he makes eventually leads him to a final confrontation between Otis, the law and destiny.
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Otis E. - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jeff Daniel Phillips
Main Cast
- Kevin Durand
- Tammy Trull
- James Gammon
- Peter Stormare
- Dorie Barton
- Charlene Blaine
- Catherine Mangan
Writers
- Jeff Daniel Phillips
Otis E. - FAQs
What is Otis E. about?
Otis E. follows a man named Otis who is released after nearly 15 years in solitary confinement. Placed under the watch of a Los Angeles probation officer, he moves into a transitional facility and tries to start fresh — but the pull of his past proves impossible to escape, leading to a dramatic final confrontation.
Can Otis truly escape his past in the film?
That tension is at the heart of the story. Despite genuine efforts to reintegrate, Otis finds the outside world as unforgiving as the one he left behind. The film asks whether a man shaped by years of isolation can ever fully reclaim his humanity — and the answer it offers is haunting.
Who are the main actors in Otis E.?
Kevin Durand leads the cast as Otis, with Tammy Trull as Penny, James Gammon as The Sheriff, and Peter Stormare as Reverend Roy. Dorie Barton, Charlene Blaine, and Catherine Mangan round out the principal cast in this character-driven drama.
Who directed Otis E. and also wrote the script?
Jeff Daniel Phillips both wrote and directed Otis E., making it a deeply personal creative project. His dual role as writer-director gives the film a unified vision, allowing the character study of Otis to unfold with real intentionality and emotional consistency throughout.
What does the tagline of Otis E. mean?
The tagline — “Can He Still Remain Human In The Outside World?” — cuts to the film's core question. After 15 years in solitary confinement, Otis has been fundamentally altered. The film explores whether the outside world can restore what isolation stripped away, or whether it simply offers a different kind of cage.
Is Otis E. worth watching for drama fans?
If you enjoy raw, character-driven dramas about redemption and identity, Otis E. is worth your time. Kevin Durand delivers a committed performance, and the film's unflinching look at reintegration after extreme incarceration gives it a gritty authenticity that sets it apart from more conventional crime dramas.
What films are similar to Otis E.?
Fans of Otis E. will likely enjoy Bronson (2009), which shares its intense focus on a man defined by confinement, as well as Room (2015) and South of Heaven (2021). Dog Pound (2010) and Jamesy Boy (2014) also explore institutional life and the struggle to break free from it.
When was Otis E. released?
Otis E. hit theaters on October 25, 2009. The film is also known under the alternative title Convict in the US market, which speaks to its unflinching focus on the criminal justice system and one man's attempt to navigate life after extreme incarceration.
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