The Indian Runner, released in 1991, was Sean Penn's directorial debut. The film centers around the volatile relationship between two brothers, Joe (David Morse) and Frank (Viggo Mortensen), in small-town Nebraska during the 1960s.
Joe is a responsible family man and police officer, while Frank is a vagabond troublemaker who frequently clashes with the law. Their opposing views on life lead to friction, with Frank resenting Joe for his conformity and Joe tries to continually help his brother, but his efforts are repeatedly rebuffed.
The tension between the two comes to a head when Frank's reckless behavior escalates, and Joe is forced to intervene. The film ends on a tragic note, as the two brothers end up on opposite sides of a violent standoff that ultimately leads to Frank's death.
The Indian Runner is a somber meditation on family dynamics, regret, and missed opportunities for reconciliation. It also features strong supporting performances from Patricia Arquette as Joe's understanding wife and Charles Bronson as the father of the two brothers. The film received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and emotional power.