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The Public

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2:31

The Public

PG-13

Released Apr 5, 2019

1h 59m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

65%

Tomatometer

96 Reviews

39%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

An act of civil disobedience turns into a standoff with police when homeless people in Cincinnati take over the public library to seek shelter from the bitter cold.

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Critics Consensus

Its intentions are sometimes easier to appreciate than its execution, but The Public remains an earnest and reasonably engaging social advocacy drama.

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Peter Rainer

FilmWeek (LAist)

It's heart is in the right place in many ways, but it just outlines everything so clearly in red marker that it doesn't let you discovers things for yourself. Still, it's an estimable effort in some ways.

Sep 15, 2020

Full Review

Kevin Maher

Times (UK)

That everything ends on a weird happy-clappy high is indicative of a scattershot project that could have done with less ambition, more focus.

Rated: 2/5

Feb 24, 2020

Full Review

Linda Marric

The Jewish Chronicle

The Public presents a heartening story of triumph of good over evil, but sadly lacks the gravitas one would usually expect from these types of stories.

Rated: 2/5

Feb 21, 2020

Full Review

JD Duran

InSession Film

It's filled with strong, relevant messages while still being fun and watchable.

Rated: A

Aug 19, 2024

Full Review

M.N. Miller

Ready Steady Cut

When you combine The Public’s penchant for cheap sentiment and its social advocacy message, you get the equivalent of cinematic social conscience fluffernutter that is spread too thin.

Rated: 2.5/5

Aug 18, 2022

Full Review

Greg Wetherall

NME (New Musical Express)

Emilio Estevez tackles blinkered bureaucrats in this high-minded social advocacy drama.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 14, 2021

Full Review

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Stephen C

What were you all thinking?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

05/27/25

Full Review

Deepest Bluest Suede Darius Dick Stinger Apini Emanuel Grouch Nukem III AKA The Rumble AKA Jennyanyany McPoopface Bridgerton AKA The Count of Monte Fisto

An unhoused gentleman? What are you talking about zere iz no such thing.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

04/11/25

Full Review

Alex S

an honest film about unhoused gentlemen who need a place to go besides outside of a 7/eleven

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

05/22/24

Full Review

Brave S

Emilio Estevez? More like Emilio Should Stop Directing.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

05/22/24

Full Review

Andy B

Love this movie so much on so many levels... a truly 'feel good' i have watched more than once.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/05/23

Full Review

deke p

"MESSage" movie guilt trips reluctance to open public buildings, libraries, to 'house the homeless". The final scenes is emblematic of the side that thinks that makes sense and would be good for anyone. Saw it in theater when it came out. It's on the TV set again Tues 4.5.22 on ch34.3. The 'BOUNCE Channel'

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

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The Public: Trailer 1

2:31

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Synopsis

An act of civil disobedience turns into a standoff with police when homeless people in Cincinnati take over the public library to seek shelter from the bitter cold.

Director: Emilio Estevez
Producer: Lisa Niedenthal, Alex Lebovici, Steve Ponce, Emilio Estevez
Screenwriter: Emilio Estevez
Distributor: Greenwich Entertainment
Production Co: E2 Films, Cedarvale Pictures, Hammerstone Studios
Rating: PG-13 (Nudity|Language|Some Suggestive Content|Thematic Material)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 5, 2019, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 2, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $571.2K
Runtime: 1h 59m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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