40 Acres SXSW Review

You often hear that survival is for the fittest, and anytime you watch a survival movie, that saying makes complete sense. I have always said that if the zombie apocalypse ever  happened, I would run—not walk—straight into the horde because I wouldn’t last long trying to survive. Of course, that sentiment isn’t just for zombies; it can apply to any end-of-the-world scenario. I just don’t know if I care enough to fight for survival. That said, I have immense respect for those who do, and I love a great survival movie. Let me tell you, 40 Acresis a pretty good one.

In an America ravaged by civil war, the most valuable commodity is farmland, and the Freemans have a well-established homestead. But when you have something everyone needs to survive, peaceful farm life isn’t an option. That’s fine, though, because Hailey Freeman (Danielle Deadwyler) is ex-military. She and her husband, Galen (Michael Greyeyes), have raised their children to defend their farm. Their kids vary in age, with the eldest being Manny (Kataem O’Conner), followed by Raine (Leenah Robinson), Danis (Jaeda LeBlanc), and a younger sibling. Together, they work the farm and fend off occasional intruders—sometimes in brutal ways.

The Freemans have little contact with other farms, but they do communicate with Augusta (Elizabeth Saunders), a former friend of Hailey’s father. Things take a turn when Dawn (Milcania Diaz-Rojas) arrives, claiming that her aunt, Augusta, told her to seek out the Freemans if she was ever in trouble. Hailey is skeptical at first but eventually agrees to check on Augusta. However, there’s more to the situation than it seems, and soon, the Freeman family finds itself in grave danger.

With a screenplay by Glenn Taylor and R.T. Thorne—the latter also directing—the film delivers a story about the power of human connection while exploring the isolating realities of survival. 40 Acres does not lack tension and is packed with action, never letting its foot off the gas. It delivers some intense, edge-of-your-seat moments. The writing is strong, but Thorne’s direction stands out as he masterfully builds and sustains tension, particularly in a chilling scene where gunfire briefly illuminates the darkness.

40 Acres is more than just a post-apocalyptic survival movie—it challenges how we think about family and resilience. One of the film’s greatest strengths is how it weaves its human story with the complexities of culture and community. The cast is excellent, but as expected, Deadwyler elevates the film, proving once again that she delivers nothing but excellence in every role. Though the story has its dark moments, there is beauty in its cinematography, as Jeremy Benning brings this grim world to life.

Ultimately, 40 Acres is a powerful film about what brings communities together and how families find ways to survive. It will leave you wondering: Do you have what it takes to endure?