'Unapologetic and inspiring' war thriller lands streaming release date

MGM+,the platform known for the entire James Bond collection, has announced a gripping new thriller set to premiere on August 4, touted as a "stunning, post-apocalyptic" film.

The service, accessible via Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or YouTube TV, is also gearing up to host a Stephen King horror flick. Featuring Danielle Deadwyler in the lead role as Hailey Freeman, the movie charts the journey of the Black military veteran who strives to safeguard her family following a second Civil War that shattered America and now looms over her farm in rural Canada.

Set in a dystopian near future where food production is the new currency, 40 Acres also stars Kataem O'Connor, Michael Greyeyes, Milcania Dias-Rojas, Leenah Robinson, Jaeda LeBlanc, Elizabeth Saunders, and Haile Amare.

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The official synopsis states: "Haunted by the murder of her father, [Hailey] is certain of three things: she only trusts one person outside the family; never again will she allow anyone to take what's hers; and she will do anything to protect their four children."

In the narrative, Hailey's son Emmanuel (O'Connor) encounters a girl named Dawn Clever (Dias-Rojas), who owns fertile land.

As assaults on neighbouring farms intensify, Dawn suffers an injury, and Emmanuel endeavours to shield her from his increasingly distrustful mother.

With Hailey's trust in others eroded, Emmanuel is aware that if she finds out about Dawn, it could trigger a fierce conflict between mother and son.

In a bid to safeguard their hard-earned possessions, the protagonists must band together as one and confront an insatiable militia.

The film's tagline states: "40 Acres is a stunning, post-apocalyptic thriller that examines race, history, and family through the lens of a future where trust no longer exists."

Ahead of its release, Collider has hailed the movie as a "thrillingly told apocalyptic tale".

With an impressive 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, '40 Acres' made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024 and subsequently graced Canadian cinemas.

A Google Reviews user was captivated by the film, stating: "40 Acres is a breathtaking and necessary film. From the first frame to the last, it pulls you into a world that feels both personal and powerful."

They continued, praising the film's execution: "It's beautifully shot, thoughtfully written, and brilliantly acted. The story is relevant, emotionally rich, and speaks volumes about the Black experience in a way that is unapologetic and inspiring."

The eagerly awaited thriller is set to make its MGM+ premiere on August 4, aligning with its cinematic launch in the UK.