40 Acres (2025) - Film Review

      40 Acres, 2025.

      Directed by R.T. Thorne.

      Featuring Danielle Deadwyler, Kataem O’Connor, Michael Greyeyes, Milcania Diaz-Rojas, Leenah Robinson, Jaeda LeBlanc, Haile Amare, Elizabeth Saunders, Tyrone Benskin, Myriam Côté, Jacob Gabriel, and Patrick Garrow.

      SYNOPSIS:

      In a post-apocalyptic setting characterized by a shortage of food, a Black family of Canadian farmers, descended from migrants of the American Civil War, fights to protect their homestead from cannibals eager to take their resources. Co-writer and director R.T. Thorne's 40 Acres swiftly immerses viewers in action, showcasing Danielle Deadwyler’s character, former soldier Hailey Freeman, defending her familial farm against a group of white men. The narrative unfolds a decade after societal collapse due to a fungal virus, making crops the most crucial currency. The storyline evokes a historical reckoning, as the family strives to safeguard their property by any necessary means against the threats posed by those attempting to seize it, some of whom have far darker intentions in this apocalyptic reality.

      A striking twist reveals that Hailey isn’t alone in her defense; her children of various ages seem curiously desensitized to violence, treating self-defense as casually as completing homework or setting the dinner table. This unsettling yet darkly comedic tone is evident when a child discovers their stab didn’t kill a raider. Much of this portrays a family conditioned to violence—a reality that inevitably shapes anyone in survival situations.

      However, rather than maintaining this interesting premise, 40 Acres shifts into a tedious phase, sacrificing action for an extensive period—a significant misstep given that dynamic sequences are its strongest aspect, bolstered by a talented cast working with familiar material. Hailey enforces a strict “don’t trust anyone” rule, particularly for her eldest son Emanuel (Kataem O’Connor), as he prepares to venture off the farm to gather essential supplies.

      It is during this section that 40 Acres largely falls into clichés and dullness, as Emanuel, who likely hasn't had a romantic relationship, becomes smitten with a young woman he spots by a river. When they eventually meet, he learns her name is Dawn (Milcania Diaz-Rojas). Unfortunate circumstances lead him to bring her home while keeping her hidden from his mother, who is so cautious that she might harm anyone she suspects isn’t trustworthy. Hailey is convinced that anyone could secretly ally with the raiders, preferring to kill rather than risk exposure or jeopardize their safety. This portrayal of Hailey veers into a predictable character type, becoming so distrustful that her actions feel more contrived than credible.

      In addition to the pacing issues, there’s also a flashback that reveals Dawn’s connection to Hailey and her interactions with other survivors through radio communication during the apocalypse, though not providing much aid.

      Fortunately, 40 Acres ultimately recognizes that it shines when capitalizing on its action-oriented premise, culminating in a third act filled with thrilling sequences. For those familiar with The Harder They Fall, it’s clear that Danielle Deadwyler excels as a tough, stoic fighter, a sentiment affirmed here through her confrontations with raiders and close-quarters battles. Michael Greyeyes’ character Galen also showcases memorable moments and kills, at one point utilizing his impaled hands to strike enemies. Their children also steadily grow more adept during the film’s most thrilling segments, and it even regains its humor with a well-placed joke that goes awry. Although only about half of 40 Acres aligns with its successful elements, that may be sufficient to leave an impact.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association, Critics Choice Association, and Online Film Critics Society. He is also the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews and follow my BlueSky or Letterboxd.