The Free World
IFC Films | Release Date: September 23, 2016 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
46
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 9 Critic Reviews
Positive:
1
Mixed:
7
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
67
The PlaylistKatie WalshJan 29, 2016
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. Read full review
60
The Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyJan 29, 2016
The uneven drama remains reasonably engrossing thanks to affecting performances from Boyd Holbrook and Elisabeth Moss. Read full review
50
Movie NationRoger MooreOct 2, 2018
The film founders when Lew sends the couple, platonic and respectful (he is a Muslim, remember), on the run. That dash rather spoils the picture’s paranoid compactness, and it goes on and on, melodrama added unto melodrama. Read full review
50
Los Angeles TimesMichael RechtshaffenSep 29, 2016
An initially compelling but uneven drama elevated by two centered performances. Read full review
50
Village VoiceAbbey BenderSep 28, 2016
Jason Lew's lost-soul drama The Free World offers a modest exploration of innocence and guilt, with occasional interludes of both violence and romance Read full review
50
The New York TimesStephen HoldenSep 22, 2016
The heavy-handed man-beast comparison is one of several grossly overstated themes in 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. Read full review
50
ConsequenceJustin GerberJan 29, 2016
Animal shelter/prison facility parallels become too heavy-handed, and performances packed with emotion give way to on-the-lam clichés. Read full review
40
VarietyPeter DebrugeJan 29, 2016
[A] well-meaning, well-acted but otherwise clumsily executed parable about second chances. Read full review
33
The Film StageJordan RaupJan 29, 2016
Despite actors who are clearly committed to the material, The Free World is an unfortunate misfire of banality. Read full review
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