As an atheist and moderate liberal, I largely discounted Sound of Freedom during its theatrical release, even as it went on to become one of the top earning domestic releases of the year. Rejected out of hand by many mainstream critics (and moviegoers) for being an independently produced, alt-right-targeted and faith-based jerk off of [now disgraced] Mormon hero Tim Ballard with ties to the silly QAnon conspiracy, the reality is that Sound of Freedom is an entertaining, easy to watch thriller with clear good guys and bad guys, subject matter that most everyone can agree on is a terrible thing (child trafficking), and a solid performance by poor Jim Caviezel. It’s far from great, but shouldn’t be discredited for what it is.

Despite its alleged connections to QAnon–notably the conspiracy that an elite cabal of rich people are operating behind the scenes, trafficking and raping children–and considered to be a faith-based film, Sound of Freedom can be viewed for what it is: a heavily embellished thriller about a federal agent who goes uncover to bring down a criminal syndicate. It doesn’t look or feel like a faith-based film, is competently made, and its story is not that far different from that in Taken (albeit not as action-packed or ridiculously fun).

Directed by Alejandro Monteverde, Sound of Freedom may have more style over substance, but it largely works. The plot is straightforward, with multiple uplifting scenes of pedophiles getting put in their place. Caviezel makes for a compelling lead, even if the guy he’s playing was ironically accused of sexual grooming not long after the film’s release. 

The movie’s greatest strength is its score by Javier Navarrete, which Monteverde uses unsparingly throughout. It all becomes a bit much–the humming, foreboding music masks various flaws and makes the surface-level material feel deeper and more dramatic–but then again, it does the trick.

Where Sound of Freedom falters some is in its climax. Following a rather rewarding sequence involving an island-based entrapment ploy, the climax is underwhelming. While not terrible, it lacks the suspense, scale, and resolution you’d expect.

Not as good as its proponents say but a perfectly decent thriller nonetheless, Sound of Freedom is a worthwhile watch. There’s really no surprise as to why it was the success it ended up becoming.

Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.