A Family Thing
1996, English. Directed by Richard Pearce.
With family, everything is relative.
Earl Pilcher Jr. runs an equipment rental outfit in Arkansas, lives with his wife and kids and parents, and rarely takes off his gimme cap. His mother dies, leaving a letter explaining he's not her natural son, but the son of a Black woman who died in childbirth; plus, he has a half brother Ray, in Chicago, she wants him to visit. Earl makes the trip, initially receiving a cold welcome from Ray and Ray's son, Virgil. His birth mother's sister, Aunt T., an aged and blind matriarch, takes Earl in tow and insists that the family open up to him.
- Runtime
- 1h 49m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.6/10 from 79 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch A Family Thing
A Family Thing is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in India.
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Amazon VideoAvailability in India as of 11 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Richard PearceDirector
- Robert DuvallEarl Pilcher Jr.
- James Earl JonesRay Murdock
- Michael BeachVirgil
- Irma P. HallAunt T.
- Grace ZabriskieRuby
- Regina TaylorAnn
- David KeithSonny
- Xander BerkeleySunburned Man
- Jacqueline WilliamsWoman at Hospital
- Mary JacksonCarrie
- Paula MarshallKaren
- Phillip Edward Van LearClub Manager
Details
- Released
- 29 March 1996
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Billy Bob Thornton, Tom Epperson
- Box office
- $10M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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A Family Thing: quick answers
Is A Family Thing worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.6/10 from 79 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is A Family Thing?
A Family Thing runs 109 minutes (1h 49m).
Does A Family Thing have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for A Family Thing. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
A Family Thing parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
A Family Thing is rated PG-13 in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is A Family Thing on?
A Family Thing is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in India. (Checked 11 November 2026.)
What movies are like A Family Thing?
If you liked A Family Thing, try Hooking Up, My Mother's Wedding, My Own Love Song.
Who directed A Family Thing?
A Family Thing (1996) was directed by Richard Pearce and stars Robert Duvall, James Earl Jones, Michael Beach.