How far are you willing to go to protect what’s yours?

Directed (and co-written) by R.T. Thorne, 40 Acres tells the story of Hailey (Danielle Deadwyler), a descendant of African American farmers who settled in Canada after the Civil War. Living with her Indigenous partner, Galen (Michael Greyeyes), and her blended family, a world food shortage has made land an increasingly valuable commodity. With raiders on the move, Hailey and Galen are determined to protect their family and their generational farm from others. But, after their son, Manny (Kataem O’Connor) allows a beautiful young woman to step onto their property, the family must determine whether they welcome her safely or deal with her swiftly.

Make no mistake. Thorne is a director to watch. In only his first feature, Thorne has developed a story that’s whip smart and creates a world that’s endlessly compelling. Stylish and sleek, 40 Acres truly keeps the viewer engaged from the opening frames and never let’s go. Although the film takes the form of a genre thriller, the script’s subtext elevates the piece into something truly special.

While every performance is solid, it’s a blistering performance by Deadwyler that furiously leads the charge. As Hailey, Deadwyler has fire in her eyes. In every scene, she remains fierce, focused and fueled by rage. Even so, Deadwyler is never seen as a villain. Her heart beats with love for her family, perhaps energizing her even further. Paired with a gentler performance by Michael Greyeyes, the duo are simply riveting to watch as they brutally battle to protect their home.

It’s interesting to see how Thorne uses the darkness to his advantage. Leaning into the adage that the unseen is more terrifying than what we can see, Acres often leaves its characters blind to what’s coming for them. Every shadow feels ominous and every corner feels like a threat. (In fact, Thorne even uses the darkness during his action sequences, leaving the only light as gunfire at times.)

But, most importantly, 40 Acres is very, very smartly written. Rooted in American history, Acres explores the sins of the past without feeling restricted by it. By using the film as a form of social commentary about the failed reparations for African Americans after the Civil War, Acres feels far more meaningful than other genre fare. This is a story about holding on to what matters most in the face of those who want nothing more but to strip you of it.

Here, Hailey believes that every outsider is a potential threat, no matter how friendly they appear. And who can blame her? Her opportunities to trust others have largely been used against her. So, for their protection, she has hardened herself against letting them in. Based on her experience, her faith in humanity (and in God) have been rightly shattered. After all, someone—anyone—could be coming for her land or her family.

“Watch your six, shoot first” becomes her mantra.

Even so, the soul of the film remains the relationship between Hailey and her son, Manny. With her finger on the trigger, Hailey would do anything to protect her children, no matter the cost. But Manny sees the world differently. Ever the optimist, he wants to believe that there is still good in the world. To Manny, the world beyond the farm cannot possibly be entirely evil. And, despite his mother’s warnings, he is determined to prove that his mother’s hardened heart isn’t accurate anymore. However, it’s worth noting that Thorne isn’t prone to giving easy answers either.

Sometimes, Manny is right. And, sometimes, Manny is very, very wrong.

In this way, 40 Acres allows its characters to sit in a far more challenging reality that often justifies both generations. Unlike other films with where parents and youth disagree, Thorne acknowledges that the past and present often hold a more complicated relationship to one another, forcing everyone to try to find another way if they plan to survive in a new world.

From start to finish, 40 Acres remains a gripping thriller that almost emanates with heat. Yet, despite solid action and characters, it’s an incisive script that makes the film feel like something more. It’s riveting, brutal and absolutely exceptional. In short, when it hits theatres, 40 Acres is the place to be.

40 Acres is available in theatres on Friday, July 4th, 2025.