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Poster for The Free World

The Free World

Only love can truly set us free.

2016 · 1h 40m · R Drama, Romance
Directed by Jason Lew

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Overview

Following his release from a brutal stretch in prison for crimes he didn't commit, Mo is struggling to adapt to life on the outside. When his world collides with Doris, a mysterious woman with a violent past, he decides to risk his newfound freedom to keep her in his life.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
50%
Tomatometer
Fresh

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.

Matthew Lickona, San Diego Reader
Fresh

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

Michael Rechtshaffen, Los Angeles Times
Rotten

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.

Nick Allen, RogerEbert.com
Rotten

A movie that abruptly changes direction as it goes along while taking shortcuts that leave its characters underdeveloped and crucial plot elements barely fleshed out.

Stephen Holden, New York Times
Fresh

While there are some missteps in the story, there's a lot to admire in "The Free World," particularly in what is sure to be a breakout role for Holbrook.

Katie Walsh, The Playlist

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