“The Blind,” the real-life story of Miss Kay and Phil Robertson and the “Duck Dynasty” family, has officially become the most successful movie in Fathom Events history. According to Deadline, the movie, which hit theaters in late September, has grossed nearly $16 million at the box office. The film was extended twice from its initial eight-day expected runtime.
Perhaps most notably, the film shattered the former Fathom record held by “The Chosen,” with episodes one and two of the third season grossing $14.6 million at the box office. Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Events, told Deadline of “The Blind,” “From the beginning, we knew how special this film was, and we were eager to support it in the best way possible. Giving the film a longer theatrical run was a great decision for Fathom because of how important it was to bring this message to the fans.”
Nutt continued, “It resonated with so many people, which is why “The Blind” has had such staying power.” CBN Digital recently reported that the impact of “The Blind” has gone beyond monetary gain as the film is reportedly changing lives, with news of baptisms following screenings. Christian leader and entrepreneur Ethan Drum discussed how he brought “The Blind” to hundreds of homeless people and individuals struggling with addiction. The results were incredible.
According to Drum, 70 people accepted Christ during initial showings. He said, “I was like, ‘Why don’t we just bring the movie theater to them?’” These reactions aren’t surprising, considering the film’s powerful content certainly pulls on viewers’ heartstrings. Before the days of A&E fame, the Robertsons struggled in their marriage, with Phil finding himself aloof, lost, and disconnected from his wife and children. He was also womanizing, depending on alcohol. The movie dives into those realities.
Miss Kay’s quest to forgive and Phil’s journey of leaving his mess behind and embracing Jesus is the heartbeat behind “The Blind.” Willie Robertson, Miss Kay and Phil’s son, and his wife Korie discussed the real-life story behind the film. Willie said the film was challenging to watch at moments, but it’s an essential story of deliverance and finding the Lord. Korie noted the importance of telling their family’s imperfect yet redemptive story.
“You look in Scripture, and over and over again, the people that God uses are not the perfect people, is not the perfect family,” she said. “It’s in our weakness that God’s glory is revealed and that we are made strong … God can use you and your story, even if your past looks like this, even if there’s things in your, in your story that were really horrible.”
Phil and Miss Kay also directly shared their journey. They, too, said opening up and being vulnerable about past mistakes wasn’t necessarily easy. Phil said, “It was embarrassing for me when you tell people your sins. You’ve already told them to God; He knew them.” Miss Kay also shared that being so forthcoming was challenging. However, The “Duck Dynasty” matriarch said she recently “teared up” while talking to her son, Willie about the movie’s success, and often finds herself getting emotional pondering God’s goodness at how positive and incredible her story ended up.
She said,“It’s just amazing. I just can’t believe it. I knew that if people could hear it, see it, learn the story, that we could help people, and so far you wouldn’t believe how many responses we’ve had about marriages that were broken, they’re going back together, they’re trying to make it work.” Robertson added, “We’ve heard over, and over, and over good things that have come from it — people that have come to Jesus that never would [had they not] seen that movie.”
As for why she and her family decided to candidly tell their story in “The Blind,” Robertson said she believes it’s important to be honest and truthful — even about life struggles. She said, “Once I take off and tell, it’s almost like you’ve been freed of something, like Satan wanted that hidden in you and you to be ashamed of it. And all of a sudden, then the Lord said, ‘No, tell it, and help somebody else.’”