A poor, struggling South Carolinian mother and daughter face painful choices with their resolve and pride. Bone, the eldest daughter, and Anney her tired mother, grow both closer and farther apart: Anney sees Glen as her last chance.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Jennifer Jason LeighAnney Boatwright | Anney Boatwright |
 Ron EldardGlen Waddell | Glen Waddell |
 Glenne HeadlyAunt Ruth | Aunt Ruth |
 Lyle LovettWade | Wade |
 Jena MaloneRuth Anne 'Bone' Boatwright | Ruth Anne 'Bone' Boatwright |
 Dermot MulroneyLyle Parsons | Lyle Parsons |
 Christina RicciDee Dee | Dee Dee |
 Michael RookerUncle Earle | Uncle Earle |
 Diana ScarwidAunt Raylene | Aunt Raylene |
 Susan TraylorAlma | Alma |
 Grace ZabriskieGranny | Granny |
| RRichard Todd SullivanTravis | Travis |
 Pat HingleMr. Waddell | Mr. Waddell |
 Laura DernNarrator (voice) | Narrator (voice) |