Films

Written, directed, produced and acted in by Tim Blake Nelson (O Brother, Where Art Thou? and also starring in The Leader), this strikingly original and layered psychological thriller follows Karen (Amanda Seyfried), a teacher in a maximum-security prison who becomes entangled with Wilson Shedd (Scoot McNairy), a death-row inmate whose unexpected warmth pierces right through her.

As Shedd’s execution nears, Karen risks everything for a chance at his freedom, and her own escape from an abusive marriage. Set in Nelson’s home state of Oklahoma, The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd challenges our understanding of humanity, incarceration, and buried prejudice, unfolding as an exceptional tale of impossible choices and the unforeseen intimacy between two souls.

An unflinching look at capital punishment and incarceration, as well as an ode to great literature’s power to free the soul, no matter the depths of thebody’s imprisonment.

Discussion with director Tim Blake Nelson (Virtuoso Award).

“Big, bold and haunting.”
-Steve Pond, The Wrap

“Seyfried is absolutely brilliant, arguably giving one of the most emotionally complicated performances of her career.
-Rodrigo Perez, The Playlist