Ulee Jackson (played by Peter Fonda) is a beekeeper in the Florida Panhandle who is still haunted by his experiences in the Vietnam War. He lives a quiet life with his bees and his teenage granddaughter, Casey (played by Jessica Biel), who helps him with the hives. Ulee's son, Jimmy, is in prison and his daughter-in-law, Helen (played by Christine Dunford), is a drug addict who has abandoned her children to run away with her boyfriend, Eddie (played by Stephen Mendillo).
When Ulee receives a distress call from Helen, he reluctantly sets out to rescue her, despite his son's deep anger at her. He brings his grandkids with him, hoping to keep them safe from harm. Along the way, they encounter the dangerous world of drug dealers and felons. Ulee uses his experience and grit to keep his family safe, while also confronting his past and coming to grips with his role as a father.
Ulee's Gold is a gripping drama that explores the complexities of family relationships, trauma, and redemption. It features a powerful performance by Peter Fonda, who earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of the stoic but compassionate Ulee. The film also tackles issues of addiction, poverty, and crime, painting a vivid picture of life in a forgotten corner of America.