Per an internet search for the definition of ‘sovereign citizen’: A sovereign citizen is an individual who believes they are not subject to the laws and regulations of the government. They typically claim to possess a unique status of immunity that exempts them from legal authority. The philosophy is based on the premise that the state is given power from the people, and the people have the right to remove themselves from the state, becoming their own nation/a sovereign nation of one.
Inspired by the actual events that occurred in West Memphis, Arkansas, on May 10, 2010, Sovereign is the story of Jerry Kane (Nick Offerman) and his son Joe (Jacob Tremblay). Director/writer Christian Swegal, in his debut feature film, chose to give insight into who these two were and what led up to that tragic day. He also included fictional police officers to represent those who lost their lives in the line of duty. Adam Brouchart (Thomas Mann), new to the force and fatherhood himself, and his father John (Dennis Quaid), the police chief.
This is an emotionally charged story that attempts to give insight into this radicalized ideology. We see the love the two Kanes have for one another, and that Jerry is trying to do right for his son while raising him in this philosophy he so fervently believes in. Joe wants to be a good son, but he is also trying to decide who he wants to be and is beginning to question what his father says vs how others live. We see Jerry’s world crumble around him as the steps he teaches—how to push back against authority and avoid foreclosure — via talk radio and seminars in rundown locations fail to save him from losing his home. The authority and calm he uses give way to anger when his expected results do not happen.
Offerman truly dug in and took this role seriously. It allows the audience to see how others could begin to follow and trust what was being taught to them. We also see the more vulnerable side of how much he loves his son and how his losses in life and with the legal system have impacted his mental state. This is a strong performance that deserves acknowledgment.
Tremblay is believable as a sheltered coming-of-age teen boy. He doesn’t want to rock the boat, yet he is starting to wonder if everything his father says is true. We see the wheels turning as he catches a glimpse of a neighbor girl whom he finds online, and he begins to show the character wonder what else life could be for him. As the story progresses, we see him start to take steps toward a future he wants, while being careful to respect his father and say his prayers every night. His performance is a large part of what had me grabbing my tissues.
I am not sure what I want or need after watching this film. Part of me wants a shower, part needs a hug, and another bit seeks to understand how an adult could find logic in this philosophy. It is worth repeating that the true story is the inspiration for this film. While it is a work of fiction it does have some truths in it.
Keep your tissues handy and be prepared for some thought-provoking conversations after watching this.
Director: Christian Swegal
Cast: Nick Offerman, Jacob Tremblay, Dennis Quaid
MPAA Rating: Rated R for violence and language.
Selig Rating: 4 stars
Runtime: 1h 40m
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Genre(s): Crime, Drama, Thriller
Trailer: Sovereign trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.