Add your email and we'll match picks to the services you stream at home.

Free State of Jones

Name: Free State of Jones
Genre: Action, Drama, History, War
Released: 2016-06-24
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, Keri Russell, Jacob Lofland

2016 | 140 min | Action, Drama, History, War

Weeknight Watch

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With middling reviews (48% on Rotten Tomatoes) and soft box office, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for action fans and history buffs. If you loved Glory or Schindler's List, start here.
The mood: Intense.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 20 min.
What might put you off: Rated R: meant for adults.

In 1863, Mississippi farmer Newt Knight serves as a medic for the Confederate Army. Opposed to slavery, Knight would rather help the wounded than fight the Union. After his nephew dies in battle, Newt returns home to Jones County to safeguard his family but is soon branded an outlaw deserter. Forced to flee, he finds refuge with a group of runaway slaves hiding out in the swamps. Forging an alliance with the slaves and other farmers, Knight leads a rebellion that would forever change history.

How it earned its rating

CriticsBelow par
48% on Rotten Tomatoes, 53 on Metacritic
AudiencesSolid
6.8 out of 10
AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
Box office & staying powerBelow par
$50 million worldwide on a $50 million budget
Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 279K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

More like this

Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks

Cast & crew

Directed by Gary Ross

Matthew McConaugheyNewton Knight
Gugu Mbatha-RawRachel
Mahershala AliMoses Washington
Keri RussellSerena Knight
Jacob LoflandDaniel
Sean BridgersSumrall
Brad CarterLieutenant Barbour
Jane McNeillMiss Ellie
Gary GrubbsProsecuting Attorney
Christopher BerryJasper