Free State of Jones

Synopsis

Free State of Jones is a historical drama film set during the American Civil War, following the story of Newton Knight, a disillusioned Confederate soldier who leads a rebellion against the Confederacy in Jones County, Mississippi. As Knight and his fellow fighters challenge the established order, they form an interracial community based on the principles of equality and freedom. The film explores themes of race, power, and resilience as it delves into the complexities of loyalty and justice during a time of turmoil and division in American history. Directed by Gary Ross and starring Matthew McConaughey, Free State of Jones is a gripping tale of defiance and unity in the face of oppression.

Cast

• 

  Matthew McConaughey

  Newton Knight

• 

  Gugu Mbatha-Raw

  Rachel

• 

  Mahershala Ali

  Moses Washington

• 

  Keri Russell

  Serena Knight

• 

  Jacob Lofland

  Daniel

• 

  Sean Bridgers

  Sumrall

Reviews

Free State of Jones has received mixed reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 47% approval rating, with some complimenting the film for its historical accuracy and strong performances while others criticized it for its pacing and lack of depth. IMDb rates the movie 6.9/10, indicating a moderate level of audience satisfaction, with many viewers appreciating the film's depiction of a lesser-known aspect of Civil War history and the compelling lead performance by Matthew McConaughey. Metacritic scored Free State of Jones 53/100, suggesting a lukewarm reception overall. Some reviewers praised the film for its ambitious storytelling and social commentary, while others found it to be overly simplistic and melodramatic.