The Straight Story is a heartwarming film by legendary director David Lynch that’s lesser-known but considered one of his best works, and it’s on Film 4 tonight
Niamh Spence Freelance Showbiz Reporter and Jane Lavender Associate Editor
08:00, 15 Jan 2026Updated 08:18, 15 Jan 2026
Richard Farnsworth starred in The Straight Story(Image: )
A heartwarming film by a renowned actor is capturing the hearts of viewers, and it’s now available on Film 4.
The Straight Story, which hit the screens in 1991, tells the tale of Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth), a retired farmer and widower in his 70s.
Upon learning that his estranged brother Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton) has had a stroke and may not pull through, Alvin decides to mend fences with Lyle while he still can.
However, there’s a hitch – Lyle lives in Wisconsin, while Alvin is in Iowa without a car or driving licence. Undeterred, Alvin comes up with the plan to embark on this epic journey using his old lawnmower.
The film stars Richard Farnsworth, whose performance earned him an Oscar nomination. The movie was shot chronologically along the actual 240-mile route and was initially released by Disney as a feel-good film.
Richard Farnsworth was Oscar nominated for his role(Image: )
It’s also one of the lesser-known projects of esteemed director David Lynch, who passed away in 2025. Lynch’s impressive portfolio includes films like Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and Inland Empire, as well as critically acclaimed dramas The Elephant Man, Dune and TV series Twin Peaks, reports the Mirror.
One critic wrote: “A masterpiece about family, the ordinary, and perseverance. A tender David Lynch, an inspiring Richard. Farnsworth and another fabulous score by Angelo Badalamenti.”
A separate review said: “Such a quiet, gentle, and hypnotic road trip movie with a subtle emotional heaviness that slowly creeps up on you. This is David Lynch’s only Disney movie, which is such a bizarre pairing that oddly works. The movie is one long slow road trip following an old man riding his lawn mower to visit family.”
The same reviewer added: “It’s a slow-paced, but very unique movie watching experience. I liked the disability representation with Alvin’s daughter Rosie. How she’s a responsible and caring person and the movie doesn’t draw much attention to her status. The soundtrack is soft folksy music, and gorgeous. It’s a deliberately slow and methodical movie that shows every step of the way along old Alvin’s journey to see his brother.
David Lynch directed The Straight Story(Image: )
“The saddest scene dives into Alvin’s WWII backstory dealing with PTSD and alcoholism. The film ends with a short, but sweet reunion of the two brothers that validates Alvin’s long boring odyssey. It’s a beautifully simple movie about old age and human connection and one that sticks with you.”
Another said: “One of my all time favorite movies for so many reasons that I wont explain and leave the watcher to experience. Very nice movie. The very first scene is really slow, but don’t worry, the rest of the film is not like that. Great movie if you want to chill and just not think about anything negative,” said another.
A further viewer added: “The Straight Story is a beautifully made film, filled with wonderful characters who eloquently reveal Lynch’s inner feelings of love and compassion for humanity. It’s also one of the best films David Lynch made. Highly Recommended.”
The Straight Story airs on Thursday January 15 on Film 4 at 11.20pm.
