40 Acres
40 Acres
Hailey Freeman and her family are the last descendants of African American farmers who settled in 1875 in rural Canada after the first Civil War. In a famine-decimated future they struggle to make their last stand against those intent on taking their home.
Gen Lock reviewedJuly 27, 2025
This film had the potential to be a compelling story but ultimately fails due to its heavy-handed and problematic execution.
The core premise, which depicts a famine-stricken, dystopian America in the year 1875, feels historically inaccurate and unnecessarily bleak. Rather than crafting a thoughtful allegory, the movie leans into shock value and a grim atmosphere that doesn't serve a meaningful purpose.
My biggest criticism is with its portrayal of conflict. Within the first few minutes, the film establishes its central tension in a way that feels deliberately divisive, framing entire groups of people as villains based solely on their identity. This approach is less about storytelling and more about fostering a sense of tribalistic fear, which is a disappointing and harmful trope.
A good film can explore difficult themes without promoting hatred. This one, unfortunately, seems to choose the path of division. It sends a message that is the opposite of unity and shared humanity. I cannot recommend it for families, as it presents a worldview that is not only negative but potentially damaging to impressionable audiences. I stopped watching early on, as the film's foundational premise felt fundamentally flawed and off-putting.