40 Acres Review: A Grim Parable of Hope in End Times

In a media landscape saturated with post-apocalyptic movies predominantly featuring white families whose survival stories are presumed relatable, R.T. Thorne’s debut feature “40 Acres” emerges as a distinct and innovative addition to the genre. The film, co-written and directed by Thorne, offers a raw exploration of the challenges of fostering hope in a seemingly doomed world.

Set in a dystopian near future devastated by a global pandemic, widespread famine, and a new civil war in the United States, “40 Acres” follows Hailey Freeman (played by Danielle Deadwyler), a soldier-turned-farmer striving to protect her family. With society in ruins and food production crippled by the loss of arable land, Hailey’s fertile farm in the Canadian wilderness becomes a rare and invaluable asset, one that others would violently covet.

The farm, more than just an isolated plot, is a family heirloom passed down through generations from Hailey’s ancestors who originally claimed it during the Reconstruction era. It serves as a home for Hailey, her partner Galen (Michael Greyeyes), and their blended family of children (Leenah Robinson, Jaeda LeBlanc, Haile Amare). Despite their relative safety, thanks to their remote location and electrified fence, Hailey and Galen remain acutely aware that their tranquility could be shattered at any moment. Consequently, they ensure their children are combat-ready to defend their land by any necessary means.

Hailey’s stern demeanor and insistence on mistrust reflect a deeper emotional struggle, particularly evident to her teenage son Emanuel (Kataem O’Connor). As Emanuel retreats into the woods, there is a part of him that yearns for new human connections to broaden his confined world. His wish appears to come true when he encounters Dawn (Milcania Diaz-Rojas), a girl whose beauty inspires him to create sketches. However, the appearance of marauding cannibals attacking the secret network of farmers propels Hailey to put her family on high alert, anticipating the inevitable threat.

“40 Acres” opens with a visceral action sequence that sets the tone for Thorne’s venture into feature-length filmmaking. Known for his work in music videos and creating Hulu’s “Utopia Falls,” Thorne showcases the Freeman family executing precise and lethal attacks on intruders, emphasizing their necessity for survival in a hostile world. Alongside co-writer Glenn Taylor, Thorne highlights how Hailey’s rigorous discipline intertwines with preserving the Black and Indigenous cultural legacies entwined with their survival.

Contrasting with other apocalyptic films like the “A Quiet Place” series and “Mad Max” features, where people of color are rarely depicted, “40 Acres” explicitly depicts how the racial identities of the Freemans shape their survival experiences. The film breaks away from the typical portrayal of white nuclear families, focusing instead on the Freemans’ ongoing tradition of survival in a world that has historically marginalized them.

Although “40 Acres” is an ensemble piece, Danielle Deadwyler’s performance stands out, portraying Hailey’s fear and fierce protectiveness toward her children. Hailey’s interactions with her sensitive son Emanuel add emotional depth to the narrative. Despite occasional predictability in the plot, Thorne’s direction, complemented by Jeremy Benning’s cinematography, ensures the film’s action sequences remain engaging and intense.

While the film’s final act may falter as it attempts to heighten emotional stakes, “40 Acres” concludes with a reaffirmation of its core themes. In a genre often saturated with mediocre narratives, “40 Acres” distinguishes itself as a significant contribution. As of now, the film does not have a distributor or a confirmed theatrical release date.

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