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40 Acres Earns Praise for Deadwyler’s Performance, Thorne’s Bold Vision on Theatrical Release

The feature debut melds intense combat with deep cultural resonance about land sovereignty in a post-pandemic landscape.

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Danielle Deadwyler as Hailey Freeman in "40 Acres" is seen in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Rafy, courtesy of Mongrel Media (Mandatory Credit)
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Overview

  • The film opened July 2 in North America through Magnolia Pictures after its TIFF premiere last September
  • Critics have lauded Danielle Deadwyler’s portrayal of Hailey Freeman for its emotional depth and commanding presence
  • R.T. Thorne’s feature debut draws on his music video and TV background to deliver visually striking action set pieces within a dystopian family drama
  • Reviewers highlight a standout action sequence in the second half as a visceral, eye-popping centerpiece of the film’s tension
  • By invoking the legacy of “40 acres and a mule,” the story foregrounds themes of land ownership, generational trauma and Black and Indigenous sovereignty