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Freedomland

Freedomland

The Truth Is Hiding Where No One Dares To Look.

2006113 minRMidcredits score: 16th percentile of all films
Director
Joe Roth
Starring
Samuel L. Jackson, Julianne Moore, Edie Falco, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

A black police detective must solve a strange case of a kidnapped boy and deal with a big racial protest.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Freedomland?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Freedomland streaming on Tubi (free).

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Freedomland?

Freedomland earns 5 badges, led by Overhyped and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Freedomland worth watching?

Freedomland's Midcredits score is the 16th percentile of all films, from 24K ratings across 6 sources. 22% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

16th percentile

Better received than 16% of films

14th percentile among Crime16th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)24th
Approval (how many liked it)11th

53 /100

24th percentile of all films

21st percentile among Crime24th percentile among 2000s

Critics 43 · Audience 54

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

22% liked it

11th percentile of all films

9th percentile among Crime10th percentile among 2000s
22% rated it 7–1078% rated it 1–6

Critics 22% · Audience 25%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 3 noms overall

90th percentile

24K ratings across platforms

87th percentile among Crime84th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 60% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$38M
Opening weekend$5.8M
Domestic gross$13M
Worldwide gross$15M

Returned 0.4× its budget — 81st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both sides agree the film is a well-acted but structurally incoherent drama that tries to tackle racial politics and a missing-child mystery without committing to either.

Fans praised

  • bravura lead performances especially Julianne Moore as emotionally fractured mother
  • gritty authentic engagement with complex race-and-class politics
  • powerful prison confession scene and Edie Falco's understated turn

Detractors panned

  • directionless script overloaded with unfinished subplots
  • Julianne Moore's one-note hysterical performance and unconvincing accent
  • false marketing as suspense thriller betrayed by muddled sociological lecture

What stands out

ActingDivisive68

Moore praised by fans for raw pain but called over-the-top by detractors; Jackson solid but playing familiar beats

Emotional impactDivisive45

Fans moved by Moore's breakdown scene; detractors call it manipulative bathos

DialogueDivisive38

Long monologues derided as lecturing; fans cite Price's prose craftsmanship

CharactersDivisive35

Underwritten stereotypes and characters that vanish mid-film

Plot and storyDivisive30

Scattershot multiple threads never resolved; twist predictable from first act

TensionDivisive28

Failed thriller marketing; lacks genuine suspense or urgency

PacingDivisive25

Relentless grimness and repetitious interrogation scenes drag runtime

Ending22

Confession dragged out; epilogue feels tacked-on and anticlimactic

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is Freedomland like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film takes its subject matter seriously, presenting racial tensions and personal tragedy with earnest gravity and minimal irony.
The rideThe film sustains a tense atmosphere during the investigation, with melancholic undertones, culminating in a heavy climax with riots and the tragic truth.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from the hospital incident through the investigation and climax, following a conventional three-act structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

The answer rests on this: UnsettlingHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's exploration of racial tension and the mother's tragic lies lingers as an uncomfortable, somber reminder of prejudice and guilt.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Mystery
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% (this title) · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Investigation: A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).

7% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film revolves around the disappearance of a young boy and the detective's investigation to uncover the truth, with racial tensions driving much of the conflict.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfPrejudiceSociety
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% (this title) · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9% (this title): Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% (this title) · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Society

Prejudice · 3% of filmsGuilt · 3% of filmsDeception · 9% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores racial prejudice and the explosive tensions ignited when a white woman accuses a black man, while also delving into guilt and deception surrounding a mother's tragic secret.
StanceThe film examines racial prejudice and the consequences of lies and accusations without offering easy answers, focusing equally on the detective and the troubled mother.

The world

Late 20th centuryUrbanSuburbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingA blue-collar New Jersey town divided by race and class following a child's disappearance.

Content guide

Is Freedomland okay for kids?

R

Freedomland is rated R: “Rated R for language and some violent content” (MPAA). As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (40/100), sexual content at minimal (15/100), language at intense (63/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (20/100) and frightening material at moderate (44/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 12 other countries
  • UK15
  • Germany16
  • France16
  • Ireland15
  • Brazil14
  • Belgium12
  • Czechia18+
  • Greece16
  • Hungary18
  • Netherlands18
  • Poland16
  • Spain18
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (33 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Freedomland have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Freedomland?

Cast

Samuel L. Jackson
as Lorenzo Council
Julianne Moore
as Brenda Martin
Edie Falco
as Karen Collucci
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
as Felicia
William Forsythe
as Boyle
Anthony Mackie
as Billy Williams
Peter Friedman
as Lt. Gold
Domenick Lombardozzi
as Leo Sullivan
Aasif Mandvi
as Dr. Anil Chatterjee
Philip Bosco
as Priest

Crew

Directed by

Joe Roth

Written by

Richard Price

Cinematography

Anastas N. Michos

Edited by

Nick Moore

Music by

James Newton Howard

Produced by

Scott Rudin

More like this

What are movies like Freedomland?

Movies like Freedomland include The Iceman (2012), Ma (2019) and Sea of Love (1989). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Richard Price, and several are investigation stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 12 share its character type: psychopath. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Freedomland?

2.7K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: detective. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.