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Paul, Apostle of Christ
Film
FilmR2016
Free State of Jones
Directed by Gary Ross
In 1863, Mississippi farmer Newt Knight serves as a medic for the Confederate Army. Opposed to slavery, Knight would rather help the wounded than fight the Union. After his nephew dies in battle, Newt returns home to Jones County to safeguard his family but is soon branded an outlaw deserter. Forced to flee, he finds refuge with a group of runaway slaves hiding out in the swamps. Forging an alliance with the slaves… From TMDB
72 reactions from 4 sources (Bluesky, TMDB reviews, Lemmy, Mastodon) · newest Oct 28, 2026 · last updated Oct 28, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
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Sentiment labels for these sources are still being hand-checked; no score yet.
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluesky * | 15 | 6 | 45 |
| TMDB reviews * | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Lemmy * | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Mastodon * | 0 | 0 | 1 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
What people are saying
A written summary appears once the title has a score.
At a glance
Free State of Jones is a 2016 action drama history film, directed by Gary Ross, starring Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Mahershala Ali.
- 64 people have posted about this film on Bluesky, TMDB reviews, Lemmy, Mastodon
- posts span Dec 4, 2016 to Oct 28, 2026
Assembled from TMDB, Wikidata and Steam fields and our own counts, nothing written by a model. Method
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
72 public posts have mentioned Free State of Jones so far, but it needs 10 opinionated reactions from checked sources before it gets a score. Seen it? Post your take.
The Experts
57%
avg of 3 sources
The People
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audience score
Reactions
60 of 72 · most liked firstThere was Free State of Jones but that wasn’t very good. Jane Coaston has been trying to will a John Brown movie into existence for years.
neutral · AI labelView post →remember in 2016 when Matthew McConaughey made that movie Free State of Jones where a bunch of confederate soldiers secede from the confederacy to found their own country and abolish slavery? I SWEAR this is true
neutral · AI labelView post →Our fifth film set in the Magnolia State: Life, O Brother Where Art Thou, Mudbound, and Free State of Jones. #HATM #InTheHeatOfTheNight
neutral · AI labelView post →Just watched "Free State of Jones" on @netflix.com. It was a hard watch b/c of the horrors of slavery & my fears of our present White Nationalist administration, but it was a great film. I often remind folx it wasn't legal for my parents to wed in all 50 states when I was born - it was that recent!
positive · AI labelView post →I just watched the movie "Free State of Jones", 2016, starting Matthew McConaughey. This phrase is so true. "No man oughta stay poor so another man can get rich." So true.
positive · AI labelView post →Free State of Jones follows the right people even if its confederate deserters and not that good a movie unfortunately.
negative · AI labelView post →I hate when people think they've seen a socialist film never mention SORRY TO BOTHER YOU even once. FREE STATE OF JONES is more left than AVATAR.
neutral · AI labelView post →I'll ask my wife, because she's been consuming a lot of racism lately. (Lots of civil war era books, with a strong focus on the injustices against black people.) Off the top of my head there's of course, Roots. We also watched the Free State of Jones. It's based on a true story that puts you in the shoes of a Rebel soldier who goes AWOL, and befriends a group of runaway slaves. Since you know your friend better than any of us, you might want to watch any suggestions alone, and possibly even…
neutral · AI labelView post →I just watched Free State of Jones on Netflix and even tho the parties were switched the behavior shows exactly who todays Republicans were (confederates) and Democrats (Union) bc they are the same hateful, nasty, evil people. Progress is slow but it’s a great movie. Everyone should watch it.
positive · AI labelView post →I missed the #HATM Free State of Jones watch way back when. Making up for that tonight… As I’m watching the refuge in the swamp start to grow… it kinda feels like @bsky.app over the last 48 hours. More and more old friends and new keep showing up. Who wants to go raid the plantation for some 🌽
neutral · AI labelView post →Robert Lowry doesn't JUST look like the badguy in a movie about robber barons, he was even worse. He was responsible for subduing Jones County during the civil war, stole his office, and instigated a mass murder of organized black farmers (the bad part that Free State of Jones movie skips over)
neutral · AI labelView post →There is that one Matthew McConaughey movie, "Free State of Jones" - though perhaps the exception that proves the rule.
neutral · AI labelView post →Free State of Jones. I wanted to hurt someone after watching that film and I vowed never to watch any slavery period films again.
negative · AI labelView post →On the way through Southern Mississippi on @amtrak.com’s Crescent line, we just passed through Jones County, the home of pro-Union rebel Newton Knight, immortalized in the 2016 film Free State of Jones. Pretty country. /1
neutral · AI labelView post →Huh, just got done watching "[The Free State of Jones](https://m.imdb.com/title/tt1124037/)" and that checks all these boxes. I doubt OP'd hold it against that film, though.
neutral · AI labelView post →Don’t understand the Civil War, Slavery and why ‘they’ want to ban books about it? Watch 2016 film Free State of Jones, with Matthew McConaughey. The horrid ppl depicted in this film sadly still exist and are taking power AGAIN in 15 days. Let That Sink In. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_St...
neutral · AI labelView post →I love that Matthew McConaughey has made a second film with a weird title featuring the name of a person, so after The Free State of Jones and The Rivals of Amziah King I am going to need him to star in a live action remake of The Incredible Mister Limpet
neutral · AI labelView post →#Edwards2026MovieThingChallenge February 16 - movie or TV character played by Mahershala Ali Moses - Free State of Jones #filmsky #moviesky
neutral · AI labelView post →Anti-miscegenation laws in the United States were laws that prohibited interracial marriage and, in some cases, interracial sexual relations. These laws, which existed in many states, were a cornerstone of racial segregation. One of these trials is depicted in the film Free State of Jones
neutral · AI labelView post →A uniquely American story: slavery, civil war, resistance, patchwork reconciliation, 100 years of Jim Crow, & a 20th-century miscegenation trial. Victoria Bynum, whose book, "The Free State of Jones" was the principal source for the movie, is giving 2 talks on the subject in May, in Monterey, CA.
neutral · AI labelView post →I remember learning that in history class, but I have always loved history! I heard it referenced in a movie I just watched from 2016, Free State of Jones.
neutral · AI labelView post →I highly recommend watching Free State of Jones on Netflix. Based on historical record. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_St... #netflix #freestateofjones #matthewmcconaughey #racisthistory #votingrights
positive · AI labelView post →4:30 Dark Date Night with Favorite. Steak, Sweet Pot, Wine and Movie. Netflix. Free State of Jones. Must Watch, loved loved Moses
positive · AI labelView post →The (movie) Free State of Jones 1080p (iTunes)(DE) €4.99 (History) (iMDB) 6.6 Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, Keri Russell, Christopher Berry, Sean Bridgers
neutral · AI labelView post →Free State of Jones (2016) was a pretty decent movie about a small community deep in Mississippi that stood up against the Confederate army during the civil war. It also touched upon how African Americans really weren't free after the civil war ended and reconstruction started.
positive · AI labelView post →🎬 The Top 4 Action Movies Released on June 24! What's your fave? 1. One Piece Film: GOLD 2. The Legend Is Born: Ip Man 3. Wyatt Earp 4. Free State of Jones Check out all 57 movies released on this day at https://todayinmovies.com #TodayInMovies #Movies #Film #Action
neutral · AI labelView post →Dr. Victoria Bynum, whose book on the Free State of Jones inspired the 2016 movie, will be discussing that overlooked event—as well as other Unionist resistance inside the Confederacy— at the "Seldom Heard History" conference, May 2-4, in beautiful Monterey, California whtours.org/seldom-heard...
neutral · AI labelView post →The (movie) Free State of Jones (HD) is available today on (Amazon)(US) for $4.99 Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, Keri Russell, Christopher Berry, Sean Bridgers Genre: (History) (Movies Anywhere) Trailer & Reviews : www.rottentomatoes.com/m/free_state...
neutral · AI labelView post →Free State of Jones was a very interesting film. Ive watched it once before but I completely forgot about what it was about and the story behind it. After rewatching it I enjoyed it. Viewing it from a historical perspective and how important it was interesting.
positive · AI labelView post →Instead of watching the super bowl I watched the Free State of Jones. I'm still thinking about it. Good movie.
positive · AI labelView post →After watching the movie " Free State of Jones" I realized this is exactly when the racists thought america was great🤔. You could put on your hood and go kill a negro without consequence, what a time it was huh🤔. I'm definitely not going back to that!!!
negative · AI labelView post →#popculturehappyhour show request - I'd love to hear the hosts' perspective on Free State of Jones (2016) from a 2025 perspective #npr #film Now streaming on #Netflix
neutral · AI labelView post →Watch the movie ‘Free State of Jones’ it’s time for us all to be a Newt Knight. #matthewmcconaughey #votersuppression #DEI #freepeople
neutral · AI labelView post →Free State Of Jones. Watch the movie on Netflix and tell me we are not almost there again.
neutral · AI labelView post →Issuing a formal movie review for “Free State of Jones.” Conclusion: Mississippi must burn.
negative · AI labelView post →www.smithsonianmag.com/history/true... The True Story of the ‘Free State of Jones’ - smithsonianmag.com/history/true-s… @smithsonianmag PRE GAME Matthew McConaughey MOVIE PUSH. Soulful timely movie. Watch after the game or tomorrow. #HookEm
neutral · AI labelView post →Also I recommend Victoria Bynum's book The Free State of Jones. She did the deep archival research first, and then the Harvard dude who wrote the book the movie is based on built his book on top of her work. I may be somewhat salty on this topic.
neutral · AI labelView post →Settling in for a movie - the Free State of Jones
neutral · AI labelView post →Yall know that movie Free State of Jones?
neutral · AI labelView post →“Free State of Jones” film “No rich man should be rich by making a man poor” President Johnson took away the rights of the freemen Abraham Lincoln freed from slavery. #matthewMcConaughey
neutral · AI labelView post →The Free State of Jones is both a book and a movie which I'm always thinking I should try out.
neutral · AI labelView post →We’re watching Free State of Jones because it was S’s choice, but I’ve never wanted to drink so much to cause liver damage because it feels like a 4 hour movie!
negative · AI labelView post →The (movie) Free State of Jones 1080p (Prime)(US) $4.99 (History) (iMDB) 6.6 (Movies Anywhere) Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, Keri Russell, Christopher Berry, Sean Bridgers
neutral · AI labelView post →The (movie) Free State of Jones (Vudu) (US) for $5 Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, Keri Russell, Christopher Berry, Sean Bridgers Genre: (History) (Movies Anywhere) Trailer & Reviews : www.rottentomatoes.com/m/free_state...
neutral · AI labelView post →Looked at the reviews, went into this movie expecting to hate it, but was pleasantly surprised. Great job at capturing the hateful climate of the Civil War era while also furthering the characters. The pacing was just enough to develop each character and keep it interesting as well. Wanted more of a denouement but other than that it was good.
positive · AI labelView post →75.) COMPLETE - Free State of Jones Really fascinating film based on a very interesting story in American history, but I think it suffers from issues of pacing and focus. Worth a watch, but I actually think it could've benefited from being longer.
neutral · AI labelView post →🎬 The Top 4 Action Movies Released on June 24! What's your fave? 1. One Piece Film: GOLD 2. The Legend Is Born: Ip Man 3. Wyatt Earp 4. Free State of Jones Check out all 57 movies released on this day at https://todayinmovies.com #TodayInMovies #Movies #Film #Action
neutral · AI labelView post →The (movie) Free State of Jones 1080p (Prime)(US) $4.99 (History) (iMDB) 6.6 Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, Keri Russell, Christopher Berry, Sean Bridgers
neutral · AI labelView post →How it must have felt to white southerners who disagreed with slavery & the CSA "Free State of Jones" in case anyone want's a main stream film on the subject. Shelby Foote's 3 volumes "The Civil War" is one of the most comprehensive collection I know of. God, to be making these comparisons...
neutral · AI labelView post →Movie TV Tech Geeks #Movie #MatthewMcConaughey #FreeStateofJones 10 Years Ago, Matthew McConaughey Fought for Freedom in This Divisive War Western http://dlvr.it/TRKp4N
neutral · AI labelView post →I’ve seen this film before… Aha! The Free State Of Jones. I knew it.
neutral · AI labelView post →The Free State of Jones, movie set in 1865-70, explored the ruthlessness of post-Confederate MS. Terrorism & brutality is core to white nationalism. They don’t mention that.
negative · AI labelView post →I just watched The Free State of Jones. How have I not seen this movie until just now?
neutral · AI labelView post →The (movie) Free State of Jones (HD) is available today on (iTunes)(Germany) for €3.99 Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, Keri Russell, Christopher Berry, Sean Bridgers Genre: (History) Trailer & Reviews : www.rottentomatoes.com/m/free_state...
neutral · AI labelView post →Slavery. Yea there was a book and movie! Taproots, Free State of Jones.
neutral · AI labelView post →Is Free State of Jones the most recent depiction of Reconstruction on film from a major studio? And is it also the first in decades?
neutral · AI labelView post →Yes, everyone knows and celebrates John Brown, but he's seen as an aberration. Ulysseus S. Grant was much more radically against slavery than our curiculum portrays. Unfortunately the movie 'Free State Of Jones' was dismissed as a white savior movie, so nobody really talks about Newton Knight.
neutral · AI labelView post →Never mind Matthew, I found out "why". Lol,I guess I post too much. Btw,I recently watched your film" The Free State of Jones" and thought you gave an excellent performance,it was a VERY good movie!
positive · AI labelView post →Free State of Jones is an amazing movie.
positive · AI labelView post →Movie rec: "FREE STATE OF JONES" based on true events
neutral · AI labelView post →
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