Synopsis

In the small Mississippi town of Holly Springs, the apparent suicide of elderly Cookie Orcutt sets off a desperate cover-up. Her niece Camille stages the death as murder to protect the family's reputation, leaving Cookie's loyal friend Willis under suspicion. As the town investigates, buried family secrets, personal resentments, and unexpected acts of loyalty rise to the surface.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was shot on location in Holly Springs, Mississippi, during the summer of 1998. The town became more than a backdrop: local houses, streets, businesses, and residents helped define the film's close-knit Southern atmosphere.

• Screenwriter Anne Rapp made her feature-screenwriting debut with the film. Before writing it, she had worked for years as a script supervisor, including on several major productions.

• Rapp and the filmmakers originally developed the story around a different location and season. After Holly Springs was selected, the script was revised to fit the town and its distinctive architecture.

• The production had an approximately $8 million budget. Several principal performers accepted reduced fees, helping the independent project assemble a large ensemble cast.

• During the shoot, members of the cast stayed together in a Holly Springs mansion. The communal arrangement, along with frequent dinners hosted by the production, was intended to create the relaxed atmosphere needed for the ensemble performances.

• The soundtrack was composed by David A. Stewart, who reunited with saxophonist Candy Dulfer for several pieces. Stewart and Dulfer had previously collaborated on the successful soundtrack for Lily Was Here.

• The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 1999 and later screened in competition at the Berlin International Film Festival, where it received the Prize of the Guild of German Art House Cinemas.

• Rapp received nominations for both the Edgar Award for Best Motion Picture and the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay.