Convicts

Set in 1902, 'Convicts' follows 13-year-old Horace, who works on a deteriorating plantation in rural Texas. His goal is to earn enough money for a tombstone for his deceased father. The plantation is owned by Soll, an aging Confederate who relies on convict labor to sustain his farm. As Soll becomes increasingly senile, the likelihood of Horace receiving his pay diminishes.

The story unfolds around Christmas Eve, with Soll's fixation on his own mortality prompting a grand promise that forces Horace to confront his fears about death and the stark realities of a decaying society. The film's exploration of these heavy themes, combined with its semi-biographical nature, offers a reflective look at a troubling period in American history.