Sovereign (2025) - Film Review

      Sovereign, 2025.

      Written and Directed by Christian Swegal.

      Stars Nick Offerman, Jacob Tremblay, Dennis Quaid, Martha Plimpton, Nancy Travis, Thomas Mann, Jade Fernandez, Jobie James, Eric Parkinson, Barry Clifton, John Trejo, Faron Ledbetter, Buddy Campbell, Brandon Stewart, Tommy Kramer, Ruby Wolf, Jared Carter, Jennifer Nesbitt-Eck, Mike L. Thomas, Cheryl Vanwinkle, William Sherman, Astrid Allen, and Alonso Rappa.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A father and son, both identifying as Sovereign Citizens—an anti-government extremist group—find themselves in a standoff with a police chief, triggering a manhunt.

      One of the most challenging achievements in filmmaking is the creation of a character who is both peculiar and seemingly pursuing justice, making it hard to define them. In Christian Swegal's narrative feature debut, Sovereign (based on true events), Jerry Kane (Nick Offerman) embodies the anti-establishment “sovereign citizen” archetype, not only challenging banks and other institutions that often act unfairly but also traveling to conduct seminars on navigating such exploitative situations when average people feel overwhelmed. He advises one woman to be aware of her bank obligations while also recognizing what she doesn't have to pay. However, Jerry often comes off as a deluded individual, potentially promoting ineffective strategies while exploiting these individuals without realizing it, as he becomes increasingly fixated on resisting the government.

      Additionally, there’s Jerry's unconventional relationship with his homeschooled teenage son, Joe (Jacob Tremblay, who shines yet again, needing a script that allows him a typical and stable family life, but nonetheless delivering a performance filled with maturity and complex emotions). Their relationship leans more toward indoctrination than genuine affection. There are indications that Jerry loves his son, yet, much like his approach to life, he struggles to see the bigger picture; he is trapped, misguided, and descending deeper into mental instability with each new threat to his homeownership and his distorted concept of freedom. A gun enthusiast, he is certainly not the type of person who should have easy access to firearms.

      Without a doubt, this is not a suitable parent for guardianship, as he prevents Joe from attending public high school or forming friendships with peers. Still, Jerry’s steadfastness in rejecting government rules is oddly captivating. His conflict is headed towards disaster, but the film smartly avoids casting Jerry as a straightforward villain. It's clear that Jerry is haunted by unresolved issues related to his father, recalling a moment when his dad dismissed his concerns with “forget it” instead of explaining his views that teachers “lie” and prioritize molding students to conform to societal norms.

      At one point, the dynamic shifts, with Joe, feeling justifiably frustrated by his abnormal life (including his inability to engage with a girl he likes, leading to a form of parasocial fixation since he lacks any positive role models), realizing that much of what Jerry says is nonsensical. He mutters “forget it” before walking away, which visibly triggers a deep-seated frustration in Jerry, arguably showcasing one of Offerman's finest moments as an actor (even if some scenes could have benefited from adjustments, inadvertently highlighting his comedic background).

      Yet, deep inside, Joe is compelled to support his father, even risking his own safety to rescue him from dire situations. It’s this complexity and the struggle to distance himself from his father’s chaotic ideologies, perpetually caught at a crossroads, that lends Sovereign its compellingly uncomfortable tension. Meanwhile, the character of Police Chief John Bouchart (Dennis Quaid) provides contrast through his relationship with his son, Adam (Thomas Mann), highlighting a stark difference from Jerry and Joe. Adam is training to become a police officer, yet it appears to be another form of indoctrination, with John seemingly expecting him to fully embrace the job’s demands.

      These father figures represent two perspectives, driving and influencing their children towards different ends, both stemming from similar motivations; it’s an unsettling narrative about freedom, control, and power, merging the three concepts. While Jerry might appear to be the more affectionate parent, John embodies a tough-love approach, advising Adam not to immediately comfort a crying baby, as it could create an early sense of entitlement.

      With cinematography that reflects isolation and a haunting score aptly suited to the tragic narrative, Sovereign unfolds as a slow-burn film that prompts considerable reflection on what may initially seem familiar thriller material. It escalates into moments that are both distressing and emotionally challenging, culminating in a well-earned callback ending that reinforces the film's thematic significance. Sovereign invites deep contemplation, as it prioritizes the rich, multifaceted characters over the plot itself, encouraging viewers to reflect on them repeatedly.

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

      Robert Kojder