Review: Sovereign (Tribeca 2025)

28 September, 2025 William Eguizabal 0 Comments 3 categories

Title: Sovereign
MPA Rating: R
Director: Christian Swegal
Starring: Nick Offerman, Jacob Tremblay, Dennis Quaid
Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins

What It Is: The sovereign citizen movement is a loose group of anti-government activists, conspiracy theorists, vexatious litigants, tax protesters and financial scammers found mainly in English-speaking common law countries—the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. Jerry Kane (Offerman) has been teaching his son Joe (Tremblay) all about this movement. The two travel all along the country preaching the merits of this lifestyle while dodging foreclosure on their home. When one terrible thing leads to another consequences begin to fall upon the Kane’s. Those consequences may or may not turn explode on them.

What We Think: What a fantastic film. The tension and terror we feel throughout the film for Tremblay is palpable. Offerman is unhinged and is really in on his character. Discussing this film with director Christian Sewgal was such an interesting thing. I got some insight into both the sovereign citizen movement from him but also into the process Offerman took here. When looking at the film the performances are incredible. Offerman embodies Jerry Kane and Tremblay makes us feel for Joe and his want to just be a regular kid. This is a phenomenally directed film. Christian Swegal deserves credit for what he’s doing. Some of the shots selected here are fantastic. I’m raving about this one because it’s the first film this year that really had me on the edge of my seat. As cliché as that sounds.

Our Grade: A, What a movie. What a film. I definitely enjoyed this and coming into Tribeca it wasn’t even on my radar. In fact had the team behind this not reached out I’d have missed it. So shout out to them for sending me this to cover as part of the festival. This will fall between the cracks and people probably won’t appreciate it the way it deserves because it won’t get awards cred but who fucking cares? A good flick is a good flick. If you can see the film check it out it’s worth your time and honestly the concept alone makes it intriguing. Our interview with the director is below give that a thumbs up and make sure to subscribe and help us out.