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Free State of Jones

Action, Biography, Drama

A disillusioned Confederate army deserter returns to Mississippi and leads a militia of fellow deserters, runaway slaves, and women in an uprising against the corrupt local Confederate government.

The critical consensus

Earnest directorial intentions and solid work from Matthew McConaughey fail to lift a plodding true-life tale.

***(*)(*)Eddie Harrison, The List, 26/09/2016

Too long, arduous, lecturey and patience-testing for even the all-new Matthew McConaughey to rescue. Director Ross is apparently so swamped by a sense of historical righteousness he hasn’t noticed he’s smothered a decent story.

**(*)(*)(*)Dan Jolin, Empire Online, 26/09/2016

In telling Knight’s story, Ross would have been better advised not to have bitten off quite so much in one mouthful.

**(*)(*)(*)Geoffrey Macnab, The Independent, 29/09/2016

Dramatically compelling and sensitive to the racial complications of the era.

***(*)(*)Alistair Harkness, The Scotsman, 29/09/2016

This audacious, visceral, beautifully shot story of a real-life outlaw in Louisiana’s swamps is one to watch out for in awards season.

****(*)Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, 29/09/2016

It sounds the kind of story that should fire the blood and excite great passion but it is workmanlike and too worthy for its own good.

***(*)(*)Allan Hunter, Daily Express, 30/09/2016

Matthew McConaughey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw star in the slow-moving story of a US civil war folk hero.

**(*)(*)(*)Wendy Ide, The Observer, 02/10/2016

Where and when?

General release. Check local listings for show times.

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