40 Acres

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40 Acres

R

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1h 53m

Action

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

76 Reviews

91%

Popcornmeter

100+ Verified Ratings

After a series of plagues and wars leaves society in ruins, the Freemans are surviving -- even thriving -- on a farm in the middle of nowhere... so long as they repel the occasional raiding party. Former soldier Hailey (Danielle Deadwyler) and her partner Galen (Michael Greyeyes) fled the collapse along with their children, training them to fight (and, yes, kill). But now Hailey's eldest Emanuel (Kataem O'Connor) is a young man, and when he meets a young woman (Milcania Diaz-Rojas) in the forest beyond the fence, his need for human contact could place the whole family in jeopardy.

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Critics Consensus

Dystopia is a family affair in 40 Acres, a thoughtful thriller given extra heft by provocative themes and a terrific Danielle Deadwyler.

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Audience Says

Led fiercely by Danielle Deadwyler, 40 Acres is an intense apocalyptic thriller furthered by a compelling mother-son relationship.

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Bilge Ebiri

New York Magazine/Vulture

More important, the characters never quite come to life and neither does the movie, stuck as it is between Hailey’s hard eyes and some pro forma action-y standoffs.

Jul 7, 2025

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David Fear

Rolling Stone

She’s not better than the movie. Deadwyler just makes the movie better by every choice she’s making as an actor.

Jul 7, 2025

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Thelma Adams

AARP Movies for Grownups

The Walking Dead fans will like it. It showcases Deadwyler’s range and Greyeyes has a plum part as a romantic lead.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 7, 2025

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Reginald Ponder

reggieponder.com

What Thorne does well is help us get to know the Freemans beyond the terror at hand. This helps us root for them and partially experience the terror they endure to simply stay alive. The action is deadly, exciting, and with purpose.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jul 10, 2025

Full Review

Lynn Venhaus

AWFJ.org

As is typical of a first feature, the co-writers have a lot to say and try to include as many threads as possible to weave their tapestry. The topic is bleak, and the violence is brutal, but realistic in its pragmatism.

Rated: B

Jul 10, 2025

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Peter Keough

Arts Fuse

High points include a botched crucifixion, multiple rescues and attempted rescues, and a savage shootout... set pieces that surpass some of those in similar films with far bigger budgets and suggest a promising future for the filmmaker.

Jul 9, 2025

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John

worth seeing if you want to see a bad ass black woman ..

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/11/25

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Paul K

Far exceeded any expectations, which were already high. Danielle Deadwyler is a revelation in everything she does. The story is engaging. The action and suspense are great. Highly recommend this film. Surprised its not reaching a wider theatrical audience.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/10/25

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Fitz

Excellent movie, I highly recommend it it

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/10/25

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Matthew m

honestly the best time weve had in may the movies in a long time. this film was fantastic. so satisfying.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/10/25

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Kim from Queens

I thought it was pretty good. I went in with low expectations but the film was surprisingly character oriented and well made. The acting was good. it is a bloody and violent film so be forewarned. I did like that the center of the film was a woman of color and that the women of the family were strong and defended themselves.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/09/25

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Erin

It moved right along. Good storyline.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/09/25

Full Review

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R.T. Thorne

Director

Danielle Deadwyler

Hailey Freeman

Kataem O'Connor

Emmanuel

Michael Greyeyes

Galen

Milcania Diaz-Rojas

Dawn

Leenah Robinson

Raine

40 Acres: Exclusive Movie Clip - Spices

1:37

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40 Acres: Trailer 1

2:12

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Synopsis

After a series of plagues and wars leaves society in ruins, the Freemans are surviving -- even thriving -- on a farm in the middle of nowhere... so long as they repel the occasional raiding party. Former soldier Hailey (Danielle Deadwyler) and her partner Galen (Michael Greyeyes) fled the collapse along with their children, training them to fight (and, yes, kill). But now Hailey's eldest Emanuel (Kataem O'Connor) is a young man, and when he meets a young woman (Milcania Diaz-Rojas) in the forest beyond the fence, his need for human contact could place the whole family in jeopardy.

Director: R.T. Thorne
Producer: Jennifer Holness
Screenwriter: Glenn GT Taylor, R.T. Thorne, R.T. Thorne, Glenn Taylor
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Production Co: Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates, Hungry Eyes Film & Television
Rating: R (Language|Strong Violent Content)
Genre: Action, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 2, 2025, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA): $494.5K
Runtime: 1h 53m