40 Acres (dir. R.T. Thorne)
By: Adam Freed
Conflicts don't have to be complex, to be compelling. In fact, simplicity of motivation can lend itself to tremendous storytelling. The most primitive motivation known to civilization is that of survival. Films concerning themselves almost exclusively with the narrow focus of survival, from Cast Away (2000) to The Revenant (2015) touch upon the raw primordial nerve of audiences, evoking a kill or be killed, binary mindset. This simple, yet powerful framework is at the heart of R.T. Thorne’s exciting post-apocalyptic action thriller 40 Acres. Like Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio, who fronted the aforementioned survivalist films, 40 Acres is blessed by an unmistakably dynamic lead performance from Danielle Deadwyler (Till, The Piano Lesson) who elevates Thorne’s film into a visceral and memorable experience.
The Freeman family lives a laborious and highly regimented existence on their 40 acre farm located on the remote Canadian shield far from densely packed urban areas. The calculated nature of the family’s existence is essential as they grow their own food, manage and repair their own equipment, and defend their land at all costs. The Freeman family are neighbored by other sprawling acreages and the constant threat of roaming ne’er do wells. After a series of unseen cataclysmic events, food shortages, and the dissolution of the supply chain, humanity has been reduced to the base level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Spearheaded by matriarch Hailey Freeman (Deadwyler), a former Marine, the hyper vigilant and militarily adept mixed family of adult children defend and farm their land with clockwork precision. Relying only on CB radio communications from across the plains, word spreads of a band of desperate cannibals sacking farms and committing unthinkable acts in the name of self preservation. With the looming threat of violence looking on the precipice moment by moment, experiencing the nightmarish near-future with the Freemans is a menacing delight.
R.T. Thorne thoughtfully crafts two captivating action set pieces used to bookend his film. The first is militaristic defense of the Freemen homestead, effectively introducing audiences to the stakes of 40 Acres, as well as sufficiently building the world in which it takes place. Any preconceived notions or suppositions are instantly set aside with the established gravity of Thorne’s film. The second jarring action piece marks the film’s dramatic climax, in which resolution feels nearby, yet almost impossible to attain. While 40 Acres isn’t a film that boasts a collection of memorable dialogue, its actions speak much louder than its words. On the back of Danielle Deadwyler’s continued ascent through the ranks of Hollywood’s best actors, action fans are in for an enjoyable experience as they attempt to survive the uncertain and perilous world of R.T. Thorne’s design.
Target Score 7/10 - Boasting a haunting post-apocalyptic premise and inspired world-building, R.T. Thorne’s 40 Acres is an action-packed delight. Danielle Deadwyler is outstanding as a military veteran and family matriarch desperate to do whatever it takes to keep her family alive.
40 Acres is included in Movie Archer's coverage of the 2025 Chicago Critics Film Festival.