The List is an example of a truly independent film made good. Originally released one city at a time throughout the South in 2007, the film did such a high per-screen gross ($22,000) in limited release that it was finally decided to release the DVD nationwide in June 2008. Based on the Robert Whitlow book of the same name, the film stars Malcolm McDowell, Chuck Carrington, Hillarie Burton, Pat Hingle and Will Patton, among others.

The concept of the film revolves around a secret society in the South, called “The Covenant List of South Carolina, Ltd.” Carrington plays the starring role of Renny Jacobsen, a man who is made curious by the sudden, mysterious death of his father, and a mention of this list made in his will. At his father’s funeral, he meets a woman (Burton) mourning the loss of her own father, and as it turns out, both are the only surviving children of their fathers and thus have a claim to the fortunes that await them as heirs of this Covenant List.

Basically, the Covenant List involves a fair amount of money that was set aside to ensure members and their direct families never slip into poverty; however, there is also a mild spiritual or supernatural element that seems to lend List leader Desmond Larochette with certain powers over events. The Covenant List society is male-only and quickly excludes Jo Johnston (Burton) from her father’s inheritance; this bugs Jacobsen, who is taken with her immediately, and he soon tries to find ways to restore her inheritance to her.

An old-fashioned morality tale with elements of suspense and the supernatural, it’s an enjoyable film that does well building the sort of “caught up on power” paranoia that powered some of John Grisham’s early legal thrillers, like The Firm. As a member in good standing of the Covenant List, Renny suddenly has access to all the material wealth he could ever need, but is not given personal control over his share, so he can get a hot car from Desmond, but he can’t just write out a check to go on Mediterranean cruises with Jo whenever he wants to, and this sparks a battle for control between Desmond and Renny.

Ultimately, the tale twists and turns in enjoyable and unexpected ways that, unlike other films I’ve recently reviewed, such as The Recruit, actually kept me guessing. A solid independent film with a good mix of established and emerging talents, The List is worth owning, whether you live in the South, or not.