Free State (2023) User Reviews

Compelling and Bittersweet

[ramohlaleedward · 7/10 · 28 September 2023]

REVIEW: Free State - Movie

I really liked this film. Its a captivating story, but the ending was quite sad. No one really came out as a winner, except for the state. Given all the tragedies that happened, you might have hoped the Brothers would at least escape with the money.

The acting was outstanding, especially Warrick Grier, he was brilliant. I do wish we could move away from the same old bank heist plots, but it's what drives the story, so I'll cut them some slack.

I've got high hopes for this film with it's potential and hope one of the streamers will license it , in the near future. Congratulations to all involved in producing this amazing Production.

Should you Stream or Skip ?

Stream it!

Brothers, Betrayal, and Breathtaking Landscapes

[ryanholdenmoviemaker · 9/10 · 11 October 2023]

"Free State" is a cinematic rollercoaster that takes you deep into the heart of rural South Africa, where two brothers find themselves in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse after a chance encounter with stolen money. This Neo-Western thriller, drenched in sun-soaked landscapes and religious undertones, masterfully weaves a tale of greed, betrayal, and karmic retribution. With its slow-burning tension, the film paints a vivid picture of a desolate land and its hardy inhabitants, all while delivering a fresh twist on the classic Cain and Abel narrative. The Film Geek in me was utterly captivated by the film's classic cinematic style, where every frame feels like a work of art. A must-watch for those who love their thrillers with a side of deep introspection!

'Free State' Delivers!

[chadfalconart · 8/10 · 11 October 2023]

Set against the rugged beauty of rural South Africa, this film offers a tantalizing mix of suspense, drama, and a deep dive into the complexities of brotherly bonds. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good old family feud, especially when there's a bag of stolen money involved?

The film masterfully weaves a tale of two brothers, a bag of cash, and a psychopath on their trail. The narrative is as gripping and the cinematography? Simply breathtaking.

While I usually don't lean to this type of film genre, 'Free State' proved that sometimes, a little action and suspense can be just the thing someone needs. An 8 out of 10 for me - not your typical blockbuster, but oh-so-worth it!

Fantastic, cinematic and sophisticated

[grantdesousa · 8/10 · 16 October 2023]

Cinematically on point, one of the best Drama's to come out of South Africa. Shows allot of promise in the potential output of the region. Untapped potential for sure. Performances and pacing where perfect. You can feel the references, yet it still feels like it has its own voice. Worth a viewing absolutely. In many ways a story that has been told before. However the unique setting and cultural mix are unexpected i'm sure for an international audience especially. The villain is cold and calculated, yet extremely disturbing. The bond between the brothers is relatable, yet considered. In the wrong hands this film could have been stock standard, it was anything but. Watch it, you wont be sorry.

Forced myself to finnish it.

[JamieMulder2978 · 2/10 · 8 October 2023]

After watching Fried Barry I was excited to see another South African Produced Film. I just watched Free State on Catch up. It was bad. Really bad. From over graded footage to cast looking uncomfortable and out of place on screen. Simmilar to that of the 2020 Rogue with Meghan Fox where all of the action sequances looked badly co-ordinated like a nerf gun fight at your 10 year olds kids birthday party. The very first scene with the German old man seemed promising and kept me watching. I had to invest the time but after the German old man scene was done it turned into bad school play. If the budget went over $50 000 then it would be a big loss, not sure if the Showmax bail out covered all the losses.

Adversity introduces a man to himself.

[fraukek · 9/10 · 17 February 2024]

This compelling film takes you on the suspenseful journey of two South African brothers battling numbness, hopelessness and financial woes together, yet alone. As they go on a hunting trip to make some coin on the side, one of the brothers finds the yield of a bank robbery in a crashed car at the side of the road. Viewers are taken on a cat and mouse hunt as the car-crash-surviving killer tracks down the brothers to get his money back.

This movie combines strong cinematography with a great cast who embodied the feelings of the storyline comprehensibly. Especially the German guy stood out to me as his performance sent chills down the spine, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

I would definitely recommend this movie!

I can't look, but I have to

[celinehh-35138 · 9/10 · 13 February 2024]

I can't look, but I have to - a very brutal emotional rollercoaster.

The acting skills in this movie were absolutely great! Each and every actor potrayed their characters in a very convincing way. I could really feel the paranoia creeping in the back of my brain throughout the whole movie - which was especially supported by the incredible sound design.

Plot wise I think the movie had suspenseful twists and turns that were filled with lots of emotions. Sadness, fear but also laughter were definitely part of the agenda.

The part of the movie that stuck out the most to me was the german guy - with his psycho-stare and cold-blooded and inhumane behaviour he really made lots of people in the audience - including myself - gasp.

All in all I really liked this film.