by Charles Kirkland Jr.
In a post-apocalyptic future where food is scarce, the last descendants of a Black family of farmers who
settled in Canada after the American Civil War must protect their homestead from an organized militia
hell-bent on taking their land in 40 Acres.
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. But what good is
surviving the end of the world if it means snuffing out your humanity?
Former soldier Hailey (Danielle Deadwyler) made that choice years ago, believing that isolation was the
only way to protect her family. She 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.
40 Acres is written by Glenn Taylor and R.T. Thorne. This movie is the first writing credit for Glenn
Taylor while Thorne has worked in television prior. R. T. Thorne also serves as the director for the 40
Acres. It is his first feature film.
Danielle Deadwyler is incredible in this film. She displays all the ranges of intense motherhood from
loving and caring to fierce and protective. Her leonine ferocity is a wonder to behold. Yet her
tenderness as a mother is so warm and sincere, that it is impressive to see her flick the switch as the role
calls for. Deadwyler is a force in this film.
The script of the film is a little predictable and has a few inconsistencies. Nevertheless, Thorne makes
up for scriptural faults with smart camera work and a directorial focus that keeps viewers involved and
invested in the plight facing Hailey’s family.
With a content advisory for explicit violence, mature themes, sexual content, and coarse language, 40 Acres
is a strong, violent, and intense film that familiarly addresses apocalyptic survival (see The Walking Dead without the zombies) but at the same time very engaging and emotionally accessible.
Grade: B-