Matthew McConaughey’s ‘Free State of Jones’ Is Streaming on Tubi From June 1

Tubi is known for being the ultimate streaming site for free movies and television shows. While reality TV, comedies, romance, horror, and more may be the most popular genres, there are some people who value the streamer’s ability to add all kinds of productions, even less popular ones. In June, there are a few history-inspired films coming to Tubi, including Matthew McConaughey‘s Free State of Jones. The 2016 war movie was one of the year’s most divisive films, with some critics calling it powerful and others pointing out some inaccuracies in its storytelling. Whether you enjoyed the film or not, you’ll get a chance to update your opinion on McConaughey’s performance and the movie’s plot while watching it on Tubi.

Free State of Jones is inspired by the life of Southern Unionist Newton Knight, who is said to have led a successful revolt against the Confederacy in Jones County, Mississippi during the American Civil War. McConaughey stars in the leading role as Newton Knight, a part that the actor told Moviefone in 2016 he was drawn to. The story is set in 1863 and Newton, who served as a medic for the Confederate Army, was opposed to slavery. He wanted to help the wounded rather than fight the Union. After his nephew dies in battle, Newton returns home and is branded as an outlaw deserter. After being forced to flee, he forms an allegiance with a group of runaway slaves and farmers, leading a rebellion that changes history.

Alongside McConaughey, the movie stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Rachel (Newton’s significant other; they have a child), Mahershala Ali as Moses Washington (a runaway slave who nurses and protects Newton after he is attacked), Keri Russell as Serena Knight, Christopher Berry as Jasper Collins, and more. Free State of Jones was released on June 24, 2016, and was instantly met with mixed reviews, which most likely affected its box office gross. It only garnered $25 million when the budget was $50 million.

Its 48% Rotten Tomatoes score is full of critics either praising the film for being “informative and raw” or reviews that highlight “unforgivable flaws” in the plot written, co-produced and directed by Gary Ross. Victoria Luxford of City AM wrote, “There are countless ways such an interesting story could have gone. [The] Robin Hood parallels practically scream at you, but Ross’ indecisiveness results in a film that goes nowhere, and takes a long time to get there.” Tom Meek of Cambridge Day wrote, “The film, directed by Gary Ross, rambles some…but rightfully shines a light on our shameful past of slavery, which Juneteenth celebrates the end of Saturday.”

Matthew McConaughey Met Newton Knight’s Descendants

Besides research, another way to accurately portray someone is to meet them (if possible) or talk to their families. In order to play Newton Knight to the best of his abilities, McConaughey went to Ellisville, Mississippi, to meet his descendants. He talked about the experience during an interview with Moviefone in 2016.

I went to Ellisville, MS, where he’s from. Met quite a few of his descendants, quite a few are partially through the film and I met a lot of them. And then I had a lot of extras that came in from Mississippi and a couple of 100 of them said they would have done this film for free because Newt Knight was a hero to them. And I also heard a bunch of them say, ‘Those are good people in Ellisville,’ which is [where] a lot of his descendants live.

Source: Tubi