In a summer dominated by predictable blockbuster releases, one film has emerged as an unlikely contender at the box office. “Sound of Freedom,” an outside-of-Hollywood entry, has garnered attention for its impressive performance, taking in $19.7 million last weekend.
It currently ranks as the third-most-popular movie in the country, behind the top-grossing “Insidious: The Red Door” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” This unexpected success has fueled both intrigue and controversy surrounding the film.
“Sound of Freedom” revolves around the story of Tim Ballard, a former U.S. Department of Homeland Security agent who dedicated his life to rescuing children from the clutches of child sex trafficking. The film sheds light on this heinous crime and the heroic efforts made to combat it. Starring Jim Caviezel, Bill Camp, and Mira Sorvino, the movie has struck a chord with audiences, resonating with those who believe Hollywood often overlooks crucial topics of societal importance.
The film’s impressive box office performance can be attributed to strong word-of-mouth promotion and the support of major theater chains, including AMC, Cinemark, and Regal. Brandon Purdie, head of theatrical distribution at Angel Studios, the film’s distributor, expressed deep gratitude to the theaters for accommodating the surging demand for “Sound of Freedom.” Purdie commended their courage in releasing the film during the bustling summer movie season. The film’s success reflects the audience’s yearning for stories that address the pressing issue of child sex trafficking, an issue that is widely condemned by both conservatives and liberals.
Despite its important message, “Sound of Freedom” has become embroiled in political controversy due to comments made by its star, Jim Caviezel. The actor’s appearance on Steve Bannon’s podcast drew attention to conspiracy theories surrounding adrenochrome, which falsely claim that global elites harvest hormones from child victims for alleged life-extending properties. Critics argue that the film has unintentionally become a recruitment tool for far-right ideologies, while fans maintain that it serves as a powerful voice for an audience underserved by Hollywood.
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Originally scheduled for release by 20th Century Fox Studios and Searchlight Will Be Releasing Original Movies On Hulu, the film faced delays when Disney acquired the studio in 2019. However, Angel Studios stepped in to distribute “Sound of Freedom.” The Provo, Utah-based company, named after the concept of “angel investors” who support start-ups, successfully raised approximately $5 million from thousands of contributors. These angel investors, who share a revenue stake in the project, played a significant role in marketing the film.
“Sound of Freedom” has received positive reviews, earning a 79% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a remarkable 100% audience score. Audiences have given it an A+ on CinemaScore, indicating their overwhelming approval. Owen Gleiberman of Variety praised the movie for shining a light on one of the most critical criminal horrors of our time, an issue that Hollywood has largely avoided addressing.
Despite the controversy surrounding the film and its star, “Sound of Freedom” remains a poignant portrayal of a pressing issue. By shedding light on the devastating reality of child trafficking and the courageous efforts to combat it, the film aims to be a catalyst for change. Caviezel himself expressed hope that “Sound of Freedom” would be remembered as the “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” of 21st-century slavery, emphasizing its potential to make a significant impact in the fight against child exploitation.
While the film does not explicitly mention any specific political ideologies or conspiracy theories, its success has sparked broader conversations about the intersection of cinema, politics, and social issues. As audiences continue to engage with “Sound of Freedom,” the discussions surrounding its impact and the urgent need to address child exploitation persist, reinforcing the power of film to raise awareness and drive meaningful change.