Released from prison for a crime he didn't commit, a man (Boyd Holbrook) goes on the run with a woman (Elisabeth Moss) who's suspected of killing her abusive husband. The film explores guilt, redemption, and what it means to be free.
Dog metaphors prove to be only one of Jason Lew's problems, as his debut The Free World is riddled with more than a few unfortunate directorial choices.
What begins as a quiet, character-driven story of one man trying to break free from the shackles of his past flips the switch into gritty, down 'n dirty action thriller...
A movie that abruptly changes direction as it goes along while taking shortcuts that leave its characters underdeveloped and crucial plot elements barely fleshed out.
While there are some missteps in the story, there's a lot to admire in "The Free World," particularly in what is sure to be a breakout role for Holbrook.
Lew offers up enough soft pleasures in this blend of existential drama and lovers-on-the-run thriller, letting us dwell on modest hopes and dreams, worthy of his seemingly minor story with a large emotional scope.
While the religious stuff is clearly set forth, it's easy to overlook, given the abundant humanity radiated by the leads, the hothouse atmosphere of the murder investigation that threatens them, and the explosion of violence that forces the issue.
