Prodigal Sons (2008)

A raw, deeply personal documentary about identity, family fracture, and an astonishing Hollywood bloodline hidden in a small Montana town.

Prodigal Sons - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Prodigal Sons
  • Release Year: 2008
  • Directed by: Kimberly Reed
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Documentary
  • Runtime: 1h 26m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): August 29, 2008 (United States)
  • Production Companies: BBC Storyville, Big Sky Film Productions, CBC, SundanceTV
  • Production Countries: Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America

Prodigal Sons - Plot

Filmmaker Kimberly Reed returns home for her high school reunion, ready to reintroduce herself to the small town as a transgender woman and hoping for reconciliation with her long-estranged adopted brother Marc. Things are complicated by the shocking revelation that Marc may be the grandson of Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth, forcing Kim and her family to explore questions of sexual orientation, identity, severe trauma and love.

Prodigal Sons - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse into this extraordinary family story:

A brotherly rivalry between a man and a woman... and Orson Welles.

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Prodigal Sons - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Kimberly Reed

Main Cast

  • Kimberly Reed
  • Carol McKerrow
  • Marc McKerrow
  • Claire Jones

Producers

  • Kimberly Reed
  • John Keitel
  • Israel Ehrisman

Prodigal Sons - FAQs

Where can you watch Prodigal Sons online?

Prodigal Sons is available to stream or rent through various platforms depending on your region. You can check JustWatch for a full, up-to-date list of streaming services, rental options, and purchase links currently offering the film in your area.

Is Prodigal Sons based on a true story?

Yes, Prodigal Sons is a documentary grounded entirely in real events. Director Kimberly Reed films her own life, including her return to her Montana hometown as a transgender woman and the startling discovery that her adopted brother Marc may be the biological grandson of Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth.

What is Prodigal Sons about?

Prodigal Sons follows filmmaker Kimberly Reed as she returns home for her high school reunion, reintroducing herself as a transgender woman and seeking reconciliation with her estranged adopted brother Marc. The film explores identity, family trauma, sexual orientation, and love, complicated by Marc's possible connection to Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth.

What is the Orson Welles connection in Prodigal Sons?

A central revelation in the documentary is that Marc McKerrow may be the biological grandson of legendary filmmaker Orson Welles and actress Rita Hayworth. This discovery adds a dramatic layer to the family's already complex struggles with identity, belonging, and personal history throughout the film.

Who directed Prodigal Sons?

Prodigal Sons was directed by Kimberly Reed, who also appears as the film's central subject. Reed is a transgender filmmaker who documented her own return home and the turbulent family dynamics that followed, making her directorial debut with this deeply personal and critically acclaimed documentary.

When was Prodigal Sons released?

Prodigal Sons had its United States release on August 29, 2008. The documentary was supported by notable co-producers including BBC Storyville, CBC, SundanceTV, and Big Sky Film Productions, reflecting its broad international appeal and the significance of its subject matter.

How long is the documentary Prodigal Sons?

Prodigal Sons has a runtime of 86 minutes, or approximately one hour and twenty-six minutes. Despite its relatively compact length, the film covers an extraordinary amount of emotional and narrative ground, weaving together themes of gender identity, family estrangement, and Hollywood legacy.

How was Prodigal Sons received by critics?

Prodigal Sons earned strong critical praise for its raw emotional honesty and its remarkable story. Critics highlighted Kimberly Reed's courage in turning the camera on her own family and commended the film's nuanced handling of gender identity, trauma, and reconciliation, making it a standout in documentary filmmaking.

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