The newly released thriller drama film “Sovereign“ explores the sovereign citizen movement within the framework of the story of a broken father-son bond. The film, which debuted at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, has been causing ripples with its great performances as well as timely, albeit unsettling, material.
Plot Summary
Based on real-life occurrences, “Sovereign“ revolves around Jerry Kane (Nick Offerman), an unemployed roofer and single father who becomes intensely involved in the sovereign citizen movement. Facing foreclosure and financial disaster, Jerry sets out on the road with his 15-year-old son, Joe (Jacob Tremblay), teaching debt relief seminars and espousing his antigovernment views. As Jerry’s beliefs become more radicalized, his son begins to question his father’s reality and desire a normal life. Their path inevitably ends in a fatal shootout with law enforcement, headed by Police Chief Jim Bouchart (Dennis Quaid).
Analysis and Themes
“Sovereign” is an introspective examination of the psychology of antigovernment movements and the havoc extremist ideologies wreak on families. The movie examines how personal grievances and feelings of powerlessness can set an individual on a path toward radicalization. Jerry’s conviction that he’s following the “real laws” of man, not a corrupt system, is one such theme.
The film also examines the father-son relationships. The love of Jerry for his son is evident, although it is entangled with his dangerous and fantasist ideology. It is compared to that between Chief Bouchart and his own son, a newly graduated police academy student, to display contrasting models of authority and fatherhood. The film is strongest when it addresses Joe’s disillusionment with the propaganda to which he has been subjected since childhood.
Critical Reception
The performances have been well received by critics, especially Nick Offerman’s portrayal of Jerry Kane. A comedic veteran of comedic parts, Offerman provides a strong and unsettling dramatic turn, bringing life to both the fatherly love and perilous devotion of his character. Jacob Tremblay is also commended for his understated and internalized portrayal of Joe, bringing believability to the teen’s internal struggle.
Christian Swegal’s direction has been described as restrained and engaging, letting actors and dramatic tension be foremost. One or two critics have condemned the pacing of the film, a “plotting” midpoint specifically. There is a bit of disagreement on the success of some of the subplots, like Joe’s romance with a neighbor girl, that some considered a “shallow embodiment of normalcy.”
In spite of a few minor flaws, “Sovereign” is otherwise a thought-provoking and impactful film. It is a “twisted family drama shrouded in tragedy” that does not spare anyone’s sensibilities in showing the pain and trauma of individuals trapped in the clutches of extremism. The suspenseful third act and the film’s timeliness with regard to modern-day political polarization have been recognized as major strengths.