Free Fire (film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founder | Ben Wheatley, Amy Jump (writers) |
| Products | Action comedy film |
Free Fire is a 2016 British action comedy film helmed by director Ben Wheatley, with a script co-written by Wheatley and Amy Jump. The movie boasts a diverse cast, including Sharlto Copley, Armie Hammer, Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy, Jack Reynor, Babou Ceesay, Enzo Cilenti, Sam Riley, Michael Smiley, and Noah Taylor.
The film made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on 8 September 2016 and served as the closing feature for the 2016 BFI London Film Festival on 16 October. Its theatrical release occurred in the United Kingdom on 31 March 2017 through StudioCanal UK and later in the United States on 21 April 2017 via A24. With a production budget of $7 million, the worldwide box office return was $3.8 million.
Plot
During a chilly evening in 1978, Stevo confides in Bernie that he was assaulted by the cousin of a woman he had attacked. They rendezvous with IRA members Chris and Frank outside a Boston warehouse, accompanied by intermediary Justine and representative Ord, to purchase firearms from arms dealer Vernon and his team—Martin, Harry, and Gordon. Despite rising tensions and Vernon delivering incorrect rifles, the weapons are unloaded, and Chris’s group pays with a money-filled briefcase.
Stevo identifies Harry as his assailant and deliberately avoids him, which frustrates Frank. Harry retaliates against Stevo, intensifying the conflict. After a feigned apology, Stevo brags about attacking Harry’s cousin, prompting Harry to shoot him in the shoulder. This sparks an exchange of gunfire between both factions. Martin is grazed by a bullet and collapses, leaving the briefcase unattended. Vernon orders his men to recover it.
Bernie attempts to leave but is fatally shot by Vernon. Two hitmen open fire on both groups; Jimmy is killed, while Howie—hired to eliminate everyone and seize the money—is identified by Ord but then killed by Chris’s faction. Chris demands that Vernon’s group release Justine; Gordon chases her but she kills him.
As gunfire continues, Chris sends the wounded Frank to call for reinforcements while being pursued by an injured Vernon. Justine kills Gordon at the warehouse entrance. A further shootout unfolds involving Chris, Ord, Stevo, and Harry. Frank sets a fire that severely injures Vernon before Vernon kills him near the phone.
Martin regains consciousness in a delirious state and fires upon his own team, revealing his plan to betray Vernon by hiring Howie and Jimmy. He seizes the briefcase but soon dies. Chris kills Vernon after passing Ord and Harry, then attempts to use the phone to contact allies but is interrupted by Ord while Harry distracts Stevo. Justine arms herself with Jimmy’s rifle but loses consciousness.
Leary, one of Chris’s associates, arrives searching for IRA comrades but is beaten to death by Harry. Harry grabs the briefcase and tries to flee in a van while under fire from Stevo and Ord. He runs over Stevo’s head, killing him instantly; however, Stevo manages to fatally shoot Harry through the van floor before dying himself. The fire spreads rapidly; sprinklers activate throughout the warehouse. Exhausted and out of ammunition, Ord and Chris agree to cease hostilities, take the money, and escape before police arrive.
Justine shoots Ord in the head but accidentally wounds Chris in the stomach. As Chris succumbs to his injury, they exchange final words. Limping toward the exit with the briefcase in hand as sirens draw near, Justine realizes that although she has survived, escape is impossible.
Production
In October 2014, the film's cast expanded to include Olivia Wilde, Luke Evans, Armie Hammer, Cillian Murphy, and Michael Smiley. The screenplay was co-written by director Ben Wheatley and Amy Jump. Production was managed by Wheatley and Andy Starke under their Rook Films label, with funding provided by Film4 Productions. By April 2015, Brie Larson had taken over Wilde's role due to scheduling conflicts.
Filming
Principal photography commenced on 8 June 2015 in Brighton, East Sussex, wrapping up on 17 July 2015. The majority of filming took place in the former printing facility of The Argus newspaper located in Hollingbury, Brighton. Scenes set at docks were captured at Shoreham Port.
Release
In February 2015, distribution rights for the UK were secured by StudioCanal, while Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions obtained rights covering Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and Spain. In November 2015, U.S. distribution rights were acquired by Alchemy. However, following financial difficulties faced by Alchemy, A24 purchased these rights in March 2016. The film had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and served as the closing feature of the London Film Festival on 16 October 2016. Its UK release occurred on 31 March 2017, followed by the U.S. release on 21 April 2017.
Box office
Free Fire generated $1.4 million from the U.S. and Canadian markets and $1.2 million internationally, amounting to a total of $2.6 million globally. It opened alongside titles such as The Promise, Born in China, Unforgettable, and Phoenix Forgotten. Despite projections estimating earnings of around $3 million across 1,070 theaters, it debuted with $994,430, placing seventeenth at the box office.
Critical response
According to the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Free Fire has a 70% approval rating based on 237 reviews, with an average rating of 6.1 out of 10. The critical consensus notes that the film consistently delivers exciting genre moments with enthusiasm, though it may lack refined cinematic elegance. On Metacritic, it holds a weighted average score of 63 from 39 critics, reflecting "generally favourable reviews."