Perry King’s ‘The Divide’ continues to impact audiences

“Drought of the land, drought of your family and your personal life. And for this old man I play, drought of the mind,” narrates Perry King, director, and star of The Divide. King’s heart wrenching tale of The Divide becomes an examination of forgiveness, or lack of, in many senses.

The Divide features Jana Brown’s intense writing and storytelling, which is accompanied by Russ Rayburn’s production prowess. Perry King (The Day After Tomorrow, The Hasty Heart) directs this black and white western and takes on the role of Sam Kincaid. The Divide also stars Bryan Kaplan (Chronicles of Jessica Wu, Cult of Eden), Sara Arrington (Stargirl, The Jungle Book), Levi Kreis (A Very Sordid Wedding, Don’t Let Go), and Luke Colombero (Operation: Neighborhood Watch! The Pretty One). 

Shot entirely in black and white, The Divide brings audiences on a journey into a timeless world. Viewers of the movie have described the cinematography of The Divide as “poetic imagery.” King commented on his cinematographic choices “I can’t imagine [The Divide] being anything but black and white. The old black and white films, those are what I love the most.” 

King’s own Northern California ranch highlights the stunning black and white cinematography of The Divide. This classic American western is set in 1976 on a drought-plagued ranch located in “the divide.” The film follows Sam Kincaid (King) as he rages his battles against Alzheimer’s Disease, a harsh landscape, and a haunted past.

When it becomes apparent that Sam’s struggle with his failing memory may be a losing one, Luke Higgins (Kaplan), a migrant ranch hand, contacts Sarah Kincaid (Sara Arrington), Sam’s estranged daughter, to come to the ranch and care for her father. Sarah’s arrival brings light to dark family history, and through the impactful acting, highlights the consequences of absence. 

During the many droughts of The Divide, Sam seeks reconciliation with his daughter, Sarah’s son, CJ (Colembero), seeks a father figure, and Tom Cutler (Kreis) seeks to settle a score with Sam. All the while, Sarah remains as unrelenting as the drought ravaging the heart of Gold Country, the divide. Between an unforgiving land, an unforgivable tragedy, and an internal battle of unforgiveness set the stage for this film to strike its audience’s hearts and minds. 

Through King’s cinematography choices, impactful screen presence, and innate ability to breathe life into a character, The Divide has become a highly awarded and recognized film. Averaging a five-star rating on Amazon, selected for 15 different film festivals, the recipient of 38 nominations, and winner of 26 awards, including nine awards for ‘Best Feature Film’ and ‘Best Western.’ Notably, The Divide won ‘Best Feature’ at the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience and ‘Best Western’ at the Los Angeles Film Awards.

Fans of films such as LAND, Hud, or Lonely Are the Brave will love the black and white cinematography and western themes from The Divide. Since its release, The Divide has accumulated hundreds of glowing reviews like “The Divide is destined to become a neoclassic motion picture. With superb dramatic storytelling through pitch perfect acting, stark compelling black and white cinematography, and traditional noir style visual elements.” or “An uncommonly compelling and emotionally rich drama.” It comes as no surprise that The Divide launched King’s career into the directing world. 

Ultimately, the impact of this classic American Western rests on powerful acting and endlessly talented actors to create such an emotionally rich telling of one man’s journey to find peace and reconciliation.  

The Divide is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Tubi, Apple TV +, and Vudu! 

To learn more about this film, please visit: facebook.com/thedividemotionpicture/