Sovereign

The "rest area" filming was done at the Brentwood Community Park in Brentwood, AR. This is a small community located 17 miles south is Fayetteville, AR. I am not sure is the filming date but I do recall a group there. I was not sure what was going on at the time though. My guess was early spring by the looks is the grass.

Just watched Sovereign (2024) and found it to be a well-crafted tragedy. It's a haunting exploration of father/son dynamics, with Nick Offerman as a delusional, anti-government father grooming his teenage son for a future he doesn't want-but doesn't have much choice in. Inspired by true events, the film is a slow burn-there's action, but it takes its time building tension and developing its characters. It's melancholy, tense, and beautifully acted, with a supporting cast including Dennis Quaid, Nancy Travis, and Martha Plimpton-an interesting mix of talent that totally works. An impressive directorial debut from Christian Swegal.

This movie is gut turning. Most people recognize the sovereign movement from online videos showing citizens being difficult with law enforcement and then being arrested. What I find important about this film, while it is barely touched directly by the films dialogue, is its presentation of mental illness brought on by trauma. Near the end of the film we see a very brief discussion on a tragedy that, if offered up sooner, would have given the viewer a bit more of a grip on Jerry's mindset and why he had taken up the path he chose. While this movie is a slow burn it is also a rather fast spiral of decision making which held my interest till the end.

I think this and other films like it should be given note since it reflects the actions of people in other real life events. Being able to recognize when someone has fallen down the rabbit hole and landed themselves and others into dangerous waters is useful in life and benefits society. We see the young teen, Joe, in this story obviously confused and without true understanding of the peril he is in. We see the theme of growing up thinking life is "normal" when it's far from it.

So apt for the world we are living and an important portrayal of an element of society that poses an eternal threat to that society.

Since reading about Timothy McVeigh years ago I've always been somewhat fascinated by the disassociated, those who drift further and further into their very own world of indoctrination and delusion. I know people of that ilk, albeit mild in nature by comparison. I'd imagine everyone knows at least one.

Contrary to other comments, I liked the pacing. The acting was excellent. Offerman totally convincing and memorable. Every conspiracy theorist should be made to watch movies like this to see where delusion can lead to.

Christian Swegal's directorial debut is truly encouraging, delivering a highly political thriller based on a true story about "Sovereign Citizens." A raw, intelligent, and highly political thriller that won't be to everyone's taste, but is well worth a chance.

The film solidifies its cast, especially Nick Offerman, who delves into his dramatic side in a highly developed and masterfully performed role. A character study that takes us on a journey through an extremist capable of dominating everything around him. We also find Jacob Tremblay, who reconnects with all the dazzling talent he gave us in The Room, and here he once again sustains a film with his sheer acting and stage talent.

The work also involves supporting actors such as Dennis Quaid, Thomas Mann, and Martha Plimpton, who do not lose the interpretive power of their two protagonists.

It's a raw, slow-burning thriller. In the first half, we empathize and even understand certain aspects of the protagonist's debate, and in the second half, everything explodes, shattering all that empathy with a heartbreaking climax. Its director and screenwriter invite us to reflect on the extremism of the new right in a compelling film that fits precisely with the current global times.

This intense thriller is worth your time. It may not be entirely perfect, but it's daring, thoughtful, and uncomfortable, providing an addictive watch with all its strengths and weaknesses, but establishing one of those films that hopefully won't be forgotten in a rather interesting 2025.