28 reviews
Excellent Script, Excellent Acting.... Well Done.
I love to watch films that don't require much location, much vulgarity, a lot of CGI, gun violence and sex scenes to tell a story. With a excellent script and excellent acting, a film can be well done with the just the basics. I loved this movie, two people finding true love under real dire conflict but in the end having to face the harsh reality of their decisions. I will add this, any man who beats on women is a punk, coward lowlife and true scumbag. This movie is straight forward and honest and right to the point and you can't ask any more of film. Kudos to the whole cast. I will admit I was looking for a more brighter ending for the couple, but that's what was made it so good, it didn't have that cliché type of a happy ending. I highly recommend this to film lovers, not movie goers, there is a big difference. You will not be disappointed.
- LordCommandar
- Feb 10, 2017
- Permalink
Holbrook and Moss make it work
- Horst_In_Translation
- Jan 18, 2017
- Permalink
Slow. Touching. Deep. Great acting good script
I loved the fact that the man who was seen as an animal, was in fact the most tender of heart, as is often the case. The police man in a position of power was a coward a bully and an awful shell of a man. The savage, the incarcerated animal, a tender lamb. I've always believed a man should be a savage, one that controls the beast , and so becomes genital , self deprecating and humble. This was perhaps one of the few movies to paint this picture. Fantastic acting by both the main cast. It reminds people that a movie does not need a 1000 special effects and a 100 explosions to be engaging.
I found it by accident, not well publicised on Amazon- and it was a true gem.
I found it by accident, not well publicised on Amazon- and it was a true gem.
- gabecostello-06352
- Jun 27, 2023
- Permalink
An interesting slice of sweaty intolerance.
Great acting from both the leads in this solid relationship drama. It is a slow burner and there are a few odd storyline descisions but on the whole it is an interesting slice of hot southern intolerance.
My main gripes would be the very obvious ending/parallel with the dogs home and the part in the smugglers warehouse. With a little more depth and exploration this could've been great rather than interesting.
- stevelomas-69401
- Aug 10, 2019
- Permalink
This is a well put together picture with fascinating characters and great acting
The Free World (2016) is a movie that I recently watched on Tubi. The storyline follows a young man who has spent his life in juvenile hall and/or prison and is finally out and trying to adjust to society. He is taken in by an animal shelter for work and given a place to live. One inauspicious day an abused woman shows up on his doorstep after she killed her husband. The young man knows his guest is a threat to his freedom but an opportunity for friendship is too good to pass up. As their fondness for each other grows, society's pressure on their circumstances threatens to burst their bubble.
This movie is written and directed by Jason Lew in his directorial debut and stars Boyd Holbrook (Logan), Elisabeth Moss (Handmaid's Tale), Octavia Spencer (The Help), Austin Amelio (The Walking Dead) and Sung Kang (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift).
This picture has a unique storyline with well written characters and circumstances. The settings are also well selected. The movie does a great job of keeping a dark cloud over the situations even if glimpses of hope emerge. The cast is very impressive and delivers their characters to perfection. It is easy to buy into the scenes and situations even if they are not relatable or how'd you handle them. The ending escape scene is absolutely tremendous and realistic even if it is a bit predictable.
Overall, this is a well put together picture with fascinating characters and great acting. I would score this a 7/10 and recommend seeing it once.
This movie is written and directed by Jason Lew in his directorial debut and stars Boyd Holbrook (Logan), Elisabeth Moss (Handmaid's Tale), Octavia Spencer (The Help), Austin Amelio (The Walking Dead) and Sung Kang (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift).
This picture has a unique storyline with well written characters and circumstances. The settings are also well selected. The movie does a great job of keeping a dark cloud over the situations even if glimpses of hope emerge. The cast is very impressive and delivers their characters to perfection. It is easy to buy into the scenes and situations even if they are not relatable or how'd you handle them. The ending escape scene is absolutely tremendous and realistic even if it is a bit predictable.
Overall, this is a well put together picture with fascinating characters and great acting. I would score this a 7/10 and recommend seeing it once.
- kevin_robbins
- Nov 17, 2022
- Permalink
If the religion was Christianity, it would be derided as a Jesus movie
The Free World is yet another movie meant to show the power or religion, though the religion of choice this time is Islam, not Christianity. So, at least they don't mention how there's a need to be saved.
Mo(short for Mohamed) was recently released from prison for a crime he didn't commit. While working at an animal abuse shelter, a beaten dog is brought in. Mo's boss threatens to call the cops, but, lo and behold, a cop is the one that beat the dog. Just the first of the bad cops in this movie. There are no good ones.
That evening, in front of the dog's cage in the shelter, he sees the owner, Doris (also the dog-beater's wife), passed out. HE takes her home with him, and later finds out she killed her husband and is on the run. The two then go on the run together, as she killed the man that was beating her.
That's the basics of the story, but along the way we are shown multiple images of Mo washing his arms pre-prayer, praying, etc. His faith is raised multiple times through the story. He converted in prison, where the conversion brought him peace. It's banged over your head multiple times.
Looks to me the director wanted to say, see, not all Muslims are bad, but they're all treated the same by those evil police.
Mo(short for Mohamed) was recently released from prison for a crime he didn't commit. While working at an animal abuse shelter, a beaten dog is brought in. Mo's boss threatens to call the cops, but, lo and behold, a cop is the one that beat the dog. Just the first of the bad cops in this movie. There are no good ones.
That evening, in front of the dog's cage in the shelter, he sees the owner, Doris (also the dog-beater's wife), passed out. HE takes her home with him, and later finds out she killed her husband and is on the run. The two then go on the run together, as she killed the man that was beating her.
That's the basics of the story, but along the way we are shown multiple images of Mo washing his arms pre-prayer, praying, etc. His faith is raised multiple times through the story. He converted in prison, where the conversion brought him peace. It's banged over your head multiple times.
Looks to me the director wanted to say, see, not all Muslims are bad, but they're all treated the same by those evil police.
- mancinibrown
- Aug 17, 2017
- Permalink
Good movie, great acting
Really surprised to see how good this movie for a such an underrated one. Beautiful story, wonderful script, great directing, and wonderful performance from actors. Even though the genre is drama, the story has a very nice flow that doesn't let the audience look away even for a moment. And most of the credit should go to the actors, specially the two leading actor and actress. Great work.
Dreadful
I'm not sure how anyone can give this 10 stars.
The plot is wafer thin, the dialogue mostly incomprehensible (characters either whisper incessantly for no apparent reason, or mutter their lines, or battle against a pack of barking dogs for most of the movie) and 75% of the scenes are shot in near darkness so it's impossible to figure out (or even care) what's going on. I found myself fast-forwarding to those bits where it was possible to actually see anything. The male lead who portrays a rather unlikeable ex-con with an inability to cope in the outside world sleepwalks through the movie, and the wonderful Elizabeth Moss is wasted as a weak, socially inept victim of marital abuse. If you chose to watch this for her performance, don't bother. It's pretty lame.
- hillwalker3000
- Apr 10, 2020
- Permalink
Highly Underrated Film
Like another reviewer, I too am really surprised by the low rating. I am so glad I decided to ignore the rating and give this movie a chance. The acting is suburb by both leads and supporting actors. Both Moss and Holbrook performances are stellar. Their pasts and pain meld and bond them together.
I am not going to reveal any of the story, but it is a subtle, sparse, intense and moving indie film. It is not a light movie that will make you feel warm and fuzzy. It's not meant to be. It shows the world realistically with all of its injustice, cruelty and yet also shows compassion. It is a movie that I know will stay with me for a long time.
If you are a fan of indie films with suburb acting and a story with depth I highly suggest giving it a watch.
I am not going to reveal any of the story, but it is a subtle, sparse, intense and moving indie film. It is not a light movie that will make you feel warm and fuzzy. It's not meant to be. It shows the world realistically with all of its injustice, cruelty and yet also shows compassion. It is a movie that I know will stay with me for a long time.
If you are a fan of indie films with suburb acting and a story with depth I highly suggest giving it a watch.
- redproton88
- Jun 19, 2017
- Permalink
A Series of Bad Decisions.
Ultimately unrewarding and unconvincing
Starts with promise but quickly becomes unrealistic and improbable. It has no redeeming qualities and any message is totally obscured by the meaningless premise of the story.
A Good Indie with No Super Heroes
No spoilers. This is a well-acted, well-written, real-world drama with a merciful lack of super hero clichés. The ending isn't what you expect. Which I like. This is more art film than action hero folks. So don't waste your time if you need that fix. It's a rare example of good American indie.
- robert-frump
- Jun 12, 2017
- Permalink
Ridiculous , ignorant, and preachy in a bad way
- ginjaninja-43907
- Feb 14, 2023
- Permalink
Exceptional acting, an underrated film
I am genuinely surprised by the negative/indifferent reviews of this film.
I found the story line original and well- paced. The performances by the two leads were exceptional, entirely plausible and soulful. Whilst I have seen criticism for the lack of character depth, it must be said that the movie's length did not allow for this. In any case, I think that it is not difficult for the audience to grasp both characters' 'back stories' and identify with the innocence of their mutual affection; the male lead having been incarcerated most of his adult life and the female lead seeing him as her saviour.
A warm, well-acted film with an "oh no!!!!" moment at the end.
I do hesitate to label anything a 'chick flick' but I anticipate the story line may appeal to a more sensitive audience.
I found the story line original and well- paced. The performances by the two leads were exceptional, entirely plausible and soulful. Whilst I have seen criticism for the lack of character depth, it must be said that the movie's length did not allow for this. In any case, I think that it is not difficult for the audience to grasp both characters' 'back stories' and identify with the innocence of their mutual affection; the male lead having been incarcerated most of his adult life and the female lead seeing him as her saviour.
A warm, well-acted film with an "oh no!!!!" moment at the end.
I do hesitate to label anything a 'chick flick' but I anticipate the story line may appeal to a more sensitive audience.
- saintsimuk
- Jan 17, 2017
- Permalink
Watchable
Comic book style lack of context otherwise interesting.
Dog Shelter Love
The Free World starts with a fairly original idea of an innocent ex-con and a battered woman finding solace in each other. But in an attempt to escape, the plot derails and it comes to a jail-cell ending.
- jeroduptown
- Feb 20, 2022
- Permalink
The critics got it wrong
This has to be one of the most intelligent moving all encompassing films I have seen in many years. It was a movie about survival in a world that is morally bankrupt. There are so many aspects of it to dissect but I'll focus only on a few. Having an underlying storyline of end of life for dogs was a perfect metaphor. At the point that they come to the shelter, everything has irrevocably changed for these pups and it happens most times due to no error or fault of the dog. It's just that inevitable stage of their lives when no matter how happy or unhappy their prior life, this is now. There's no going back (a line used later in the movie - how clever) The scene where the protagonist comforts a newly arrived dog is very powerful.
As forecasted by the dog storyline, the movie is also about broken systems and their impacts on human life. How they bring you to the brink. But there is, if not healing, then redemption. I appreciated the distinction made about 2 of our primary religions. I don't have to delve further because I'm not searching for a religion, but I appreciated the insight into what Islam at its best and most personal can mean. There's brokenness everywhere, and sadly often at the hands of white men, who seem to act with impunity and arrogance. But here's the surprise -the protagonist is white and he is the antithesis to that stereotype. Elizabeth Moss was amazing - so much depth over and beyond her Mad Men days. I get the love story although at times it felt implausible or rushed. But otherwise, truly excellent movie. I hope there is a book behind it somewhere.
As forecasted by the dog storyline, the movie is also about broken systems and their impacts on human life. How they bring you to the brink. But there is, if not healing, then redemption. I appreciated the distinction made about 2 of our primary religions. I don't have to delve further because I'm not searching for a religion, but I appreciated the insight into what Islam at its best and most personal can mean. There's brokenness everywhere, and sadly often at the hands of white men, who seem to act with impunity and arrogance. But here's the surprise -the protagonist is white and he is the antithesis to that stereotype. Elizabeth Moss was amazing - so much depth over and beyond her Mad Men days. I get the love story although at times it felt implausible or rushed. But otherwise, truly excellent movie. I hope there is a book behind it somewhere.
This movie is a must see - absolutely brilliant.
I am at a lost for words. Any word that I utter will not describe this movie. It was brilliant. It was heart felt. The movie had every emotion in it that one could describe. It was: dramatic, funny, adventurous, suspenseful, and made you want to watch more. I could watch this movie over and over again. The writer, director, actors and all of those who were involved in the making of this move should be commended. Am Oscar will not do this film any justice. It deserves so much more. This movie is a must see.
- bussinessconsulting
- Jun 17, 2017
- Permalink
Wonderful Film
I really didn't expect much out of this film,but decided ill check it out.
This is a well directed,well acted film. It left me touched,and appreciative of the experience. So many raw emotions.
The story was evolving and engrossing,the characters,portrayed wonderfully with all their vulnerabilities and inner strength.
The film showed characters,wounded from past experiences,rediscover hope in mutual past hurt and brutal experiences,build through it ,and evolve to have future and hope.
Most of the film is a drama,but toward the end it speeds up to a thriller and even some action.
Everything was conceived ,in my eyes ,to create this immaculate experience.
This is a well directed,well acted film. It left me touched,and appreciative of the experience. So many raw emotions.
The story was evolving and engrossing,the characters,portrayed wonderfully with all their vulnerabilities and inner strength.
The film showed characters,wounded from past experiences,rediscover hope in mutual past hurt and brutal experiences,build through it ,and evolve to have future and hope.
Most of the film is a drama,but toward the end it speeds up to a thriller and even some action.
Everything was conceived ,in my eyes ,to create this immaculate experience.
Feel the heat
The sexiest kissing scenes I've seen in a long time. You could feel the heat. I am a big Elizabeth Moss fan and her leading man was also awesome. The first kiss, when they were under the tarp in the back of some old truck, steamed up my screen.
- hometown30512
- Sep 8, 2018
- Permalink
Surprisingly Good!
I thought at first that this was another of my Netflix mistakes. I sometimes queue a DVD for fleeting reasons, and then, when the disk arrives, I wonder "why did I want to watch this one?" I thought the lead actor was insanely good. Even the parts where he sullenly has nothing to say, his body language spoke volumes. I thought he was perfectly credible as a wounded man-child, having been falsely convicted in his early teens of something that I don't think was ever specified.
The female lead was also the victim of undeserved violence, a battered wife. I liked the way the screenplay took a while to make that clear.
My only complaint is that there were one or two spots in the film where the pacing got really slow. Since these 2 characters weren't free to move around a lot because of the threats against them, there were many cloistered moments during which they could only speak - but then again, neither wanted much to talk due to their situation/condition.
The female lead was also the victim of undeserved violence, a battered wife. I liked the way the screenplay took a while to make that clear.
My only complaint is that there were one or two spots in the film where the pacing got really slow. Since these 2 characters weren't free to move around a lot because of the threats against them, there were many cloistered moments during which they could only speak - but then again, neither wanted much to talk due to their situation/condition.
- douglasellice
- Mar 23, 2017
- Permalink
This was beautiful!
Some bogus review on rotten tomatoes says, and I quote the movie doesn't know what it wants to be" like it needs a label to what satisfy some guy that uses words to describe an artists work "while Lew certainly has some talent behind the camera, the structure, pacing, and tone of the movie leave much to be desired." I don't think anyone who has ever not created anything can use words such words: structure, pacing and tone of a tale... a tale is a tale, what do these people want, he is on parole and she is on the lamb, if they stay together which is inevitable because they fond for each other and with time that connection will grow, its a ticking time bomb, its either break it and go their separate ways or stay together and fae dire consequences... so I don't understand, OK, here's your label Love/rom/thriller/I don't know, violent - oh and hte guy makes a comment about it being morally murky? what does that even mean? Its two make believe people, in a make beleive story that someone put toghetr so we can chilax and watch it... wtf?
I was stunned on how the ending made me feel, a true work of art
I was stunned on how the ending made me feel, a true work of art
- juanmuscle
- Sep 2, 2018
- Permalink
Pleasantly surprised
Having read mixed reviews I wasn't sure what to expect but watched it mainly for Elizabeth Moss. Pretty simple and predictable story but the performances of the two leads lifts this movie, I thought it was a brilliant piece of movie making.
- adpj-64284
- Mar 31, 2022
- Permalink
Great work of art
Enjoyed the movie , the actors are brilliant . The story touches your heart and hurts with the ending that restores hope . Would love to see more from this director .
- svetlanakruglova
- Oct 1, 2018
- Permalink
Two Hurt Souls Find Eachother
First off all, I can't believe this low rating. Moss and Holbrook play their roles perfectly as two people who've been through the worse of it. I can't be sure, but it seems like the director allowed the actors the freedom to play off each other which created plenty of natural, raw moments. The camera work was wonderful; particularly, there's a scene with Holbrook on a bus and we just watch him and his expressions and it's a very telling moment that's captured seamlessly. We do feel for the characters even though their relationship can feel rushed at times. Overall, this is one of my favorite movies. I highly recommend it; the performances are ones to remember.
- nikkigassner
- Jul 7, 2018
- Permalink