'The Blind' movie tells the stormy story of Phil Robertson before 'Duck Dynasty'

Decades before "Duck Dynasty," Phil and Kay Robertson suffered a stormy early period of their marriage marred by Phil's alcohol abuse and infidelity.

Their story of struggle and redemption is captured in "The Blind," a new movie filmed in northern Louisiana that opens in 1,800 theaters nationwide on Sept. 28.

"It's the early years of their marriage, so it's gutting and raw," son Willie Robertson said in an interview with USA Today Network. "It's definitely not 'Duck Dynasty.'"

The movie begins with scenes from Phil's childhood in Dixie, a small town north of Shreveport, before showing the couple meeting at North Caddo High School. Phil's and Kay's romance advanced while he was a quarterback at Louisiana Tech University before the couple were married.

But after college Phil's life began spiraling out of control. He lost a teaching job in Junction City, Ark., and then got lost in booze working at a bar before the couple separated with Kay fleeing to West Monroe with their children.

"It tackles big issues - mental illness, depression, alcohol abuse," Willie said.

Willie and his wife Korie Robertson produced the movie with their Tread Lively production company. They're optimistic the film will perform well, leaning on the recent success of other Christian faith-based movies, especially the 2023 box office smash "Sound of Freedom."

"There's good early buzz; I've done 27 interviews today (Thursday) and I'm traveling to New York next week to promote the movie," Willie Robertson said.

The family screened the film a few weeks ago at their hometown Cinemark theater in West Monroe.

"Mom and dad have been very public about their early struggles, but seeing it up there on the screen really made it real for all of us," Willie said. "It's tough for them to open up that part of their life, but they've been willing to do it to try to reach others who are struggling.

"People see the family and 'Duck Dynasty' and think, 'They have everything,' but this story illustrates we had hard times like everyone else," said Willie, who was 2 when his parents separated.

But the story is ultimately about redemption, triggered by the former pastor of the West Monroe White's Ferry Church of Christ visiting Phil in Junction City during his darkest hour, planting a seed that eventually sprouted.

"It's powerful," Willie said. "It's a story of hope and redemption that shows you're never too far gone to be saved."

More: 'Duck Dynasty's' Phil Robertson discovers, embraces daughter from 1970s affair

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1. 

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Filmed in Louisiana, 'The Blind' tells stormy story before 'Duck Dynasty'