The Free World

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2:09

The Free World

R

2016

1h 40m

Drama

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

53%

Tomatometer

17 Reviews

54%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

Released from prison for a crime he didn't commit, a man (Boyd Holbrook) goes on the run with a woman (Elisabeth Moss) who's suspected of killing her abusive husband.

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Matthew Lickona

San Diego Reader

10/27/2016

3/5

While the religious stuff is clearly set forth, it's easy to overlook, given the abundant humanity radiated by the leads, the hothouse atmosphere of the murder investigation that threatens them, and the explosion of violence that forces the issue.

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Michael Rechtshaffen

Los Angeles Times

09/29/2016

Despite the drama's questionable, abrupt shift into B-thriller territory, its leads remain affectingly rooted.

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Nick Allen

RogerEbert.com

09/23/2016

1.5/4

Dog metaphors prove to be only one of Jason Lew's problems, as his debut The Free World is riddled with more than a few unfortunate directorial choices.

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Jason Best

What's On TV

12/20/2020

3/5

First-time writer-director Jason Lew is heavy handed with his use of symbolism... But the two stars somehow make their overwrought characters work - and earn our sympathy to boot.

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Amber Wilkinson

Eye for Film

08/07/2016

3/5

While his narrative is over-written, Lew has an unfussy and measured directing style that offers promise.

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Andrea B

@RT14276397 Jul 29

If your a Boyd Holbrook fan then this is a must see. I've had a love for his acting since Hatfields and McCoy's. All of his movies are phenomenal, but this one hit different. The chemistry between the actors was amazing and made me fall in love with their love. It was beautiful to witness his character find meaning to his life again after being falsely imprisoned. Seeing his smile in the scene on the bus when he realizes his feelings for the love interest makes you smile 😏 sappy review over

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08/01/2022

I really love this movie and don't understand why it doesn't get better reviews. After watching it the first time, I went back to the beginning and watched it all the way through again - something I have never done before! The acting is understated and sincere, the love story is tender with some moments of subtle intimacy and genuine emotion. It is a slow burner with not much dialogue, something I personally enjoy. The soundtrack is perfect. Without wanting to give too much away, the plot slightly falls apart towards the end but you can pretty much work out what is supposed to have happened and it's incidental if you just focus on the emotional plot and how a relationship develops and strengthens. My only complaint is it's quite hard to understand the dialogue at times when the main character quietly mumbles.

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Jerod S

@jeroduptown 02/21/2022

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.

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02/13/2021

Already being a huge fan of Moss & Octavia this film definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.. This movie has a little bit of everything including romance, drama, and violence. There's a lot of twists & turns. Definitely bought this after renting it. It is a MUST see film

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08/07/2017

Yet another white guy who converts to the Religion of Peace-Islam...forget all that messy violence that Islamists cause and support

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06/20/2017

I have never seen a great movie in a long time. I am glad I found this one. Boyd's acting was impressive!!!

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Jason Lew

Director

Boyd Holbrook

Mo Lundy

Elisabeth Moss

Doris Lamb

Sung Kang

Detective Shin

Waleed Zuaiter

Khalil

James Moses Black

Officer Smith

Serena

17%

24%

Serena

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Synopsis

Released from prison for a crime he didn't commit, a man (Boyd Holbrook) goes on the run with a woman (Elisabeth Moss) who's suspected of killing her abusive husband.

Director: Jason Lew
Producer: Laura Rister
Screenwriter: Jason Lew
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: Untitled Entertainment, Great Point Media
Rating: R (Some Violence and Language)
Genre: Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 23, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 17, 2017
Runtime: 1h 40m

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