Post-Apocalyptic Drama '40 Acres' Breaks Ground with Diverse, Strong Cast — 100% Rotten Tomatoes Score, Limited Theatrical Release

What would you do if the world ended... and survival wasn’t just about food or water, but reclaiming stolen land? After months of buzz since its debut at TIFF, the post-apocalyptic thriller 40 Acres is finally getting a limited theatrical release on July 2. And while it may not hit your local cinema, the film’s 100% Rotten Tomatoes score suggests it’s worth the hunt — or at least a firm spot on your streaming watchlist.

Danielle Deadwyler Is the Heartbeat of the Film

If you know her from Carry-On, prepare for something radically different. Critics are already calling Danielle Deadwyler's performance the reason this dystopian vision stays afloat. As Hailey, a hardened survivor navigating a fractured future, she brings something raw and relentless.

Chase Hutchinson at TheWrap writes,“In Deadwyler’s eyes, we see many lifetimes of pain and struggle that have hardened into a shell Hailey rarely lets down.”

Even when the dialogue stumbles or scenes stretch, it’s her that pulls us back in.

Familiar Tropes, Fresh Territory

Yes, 40 Acres may tread ground we’ve seen before — the siege, the survival, the showdown. But according to Stephen Saito of Variety, it’s how director R.T. Thorne handles the familiar that sets this apart:

"Though Thorne’s dynamic siege thriller has some familiar moves, it is full of fresh ideas."

Sharai Bohannon (Dread Central) gives it a fresh but measured nod, noting:"It’s not the worst movie I’ve ever seen. It’s just not as memorable as it could be... But it is cool to see Black and Indigenous actors at the center of a post-apocalyptic world."

And Jake Tropila from In Review Online adds:"While 40 Acres has its undeniable limitations, Thorne mitigates flaws both fiscal and conceptual through sturdy execution."

Limited Run, Maximum Buzz

Here’s the catch: 40 Acres isn’t going wide. It's a limited release, which means if it's playing near you, you're one of the lucky ones. If not — don’t worry. Streaming is surely on the horizon, and this is one film you’ll want on your radar when that moment comes.