Freedom (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Freedom (2024): A Gripping Tale of Crime, Love, and Freedom
Directed by Mélanie Laurent, Freedom (2024), originally titled Libre, delivers a cinematic portrayal of Bruno Sulak’s real-life heist adventures in France during the 1980s. Rather than focusing solely on the action-packed life of Sulak, Laurent presents a reflective and romantic narrative. It’s not just about robberies or narrow escapes but a thoughtful exploration of one man’s pursuit of freedom and his love story with Annie, his loyal partner and accomplice. This combination of crime and romance promises to captivate audiences, but does it deliver?
A Tale of Romance Over Crime
Instead of creating a typical heist flick, Laurent delves into the emotional complexities of Bruno Sulak (played by Lucas Bravo) and his relationship with Annie (Léa Luce Busato). Known for his courteous manner, charisma, and distinctive sense of purpose, Bruno’s journey is deeply entwined with his passion for Annie and his insatiable love for freedom. Each heist, executed with precision and a notable absence of violence, brings a surreal elegance to his criminal undertakings. Laurent’s approach may remind audiences of classic crime dramas like Heat or Thief, yet with a nuanced and personal touch.
Though the storyline emphasizes the trio of Bruno, Annie, and Detective George Moréas (Yvan Attal), it sometimes falls short in fully exploring their psyches. The intricate interplay between Bruno’s criminal escapades and his love life shapes much of the narrative, but the film doesn’t quite reach the depths of character exploration that fans of true-crime stories might expect.
Performances that Bring Freedom to Life
Lucas Bravo shines as Bruno Sulak, balancing charm and complexity. Bravo, known for his supporting role in Emily in Paris, steps into the spotlight with a performance that captures Bruno’s playful arrogance and magnetic appeal. His on-screen chemistry with Léa Luce Busato as Annie, though occasionally underdeveloped, portrays a couple whose love is marked by a mutual thrill for adventure.
Yvan Attal, playing Detective Moréas, brings an intriguing contrast as Bruno’s pursuer. His character embodies a law enforcer fascinated by the elusive thief he is chasing, adding a unique layer of respect and rivalry between the two men.
While Freedom paints Bruno as a modern-day Arsène Lupin, it occasionally falters in fully capturing the intricate details of his life, motivations, and inner conflicts. The film’s strength lies in its cast’s performances, which inject charm into the story even when the plot doesn’t delve as deep as one might hope.
Cinematic Style: A Homage to Vintage Crime Thrillers
Visually, Freedom brings to life the opulence and thrill of Bruno’s heist-filled world. Set against scenic French locales, the film captures both the allure and tension of a high-stakes criminal life. With subtle nods to classic heist films of the ‘60s and ‘70s, including a cover of “The Windmills of Your Mind” from The Thomas Crown Affair, Laurent’s stylistic choices lend a timeless quality to Bruno’s story. The director’s use of rotating shots to convey the disorientation in Annie’s world is a particularly clever touch, though the film’s pace remains more contemplative than action-packed.
Where to Watch Freedom Online
For viewers in the United States, Freedom (2024) is currently available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. As of now, it is not available on other streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+. Subscribers to Amazon Prime Video can stream Freedom at no additional cost, providing easy access for fans of crime dramas and romance films.
If you prefer to rent or purchase movies digitally, Amazon Prime Video offers rental and purchase options for this title as well, making it convenient to watch even without a Prime subscription. However, unlike other recent film releases, Freedom remains an Amazon-exclusive and cannot be found on services like Apple iTunes, Google Play, or Vudu.
Is Freedom Worth Watching?
Freedom (2024) may not deliver the high-octane heist thrills some might expect from a movie about a career criminal, but it excels as a thoughtful examination of love, freedom, and personal convictions. Laurent’s romanticized interpretation of Sulak’s story makes it an intriguing, if somewhat stylized, biopic.
This movie may resonate particularly with viewers who appreciate character-driven storytelling and the complex duality between crime and personal freedom. While it lacks the psychological depth some might crave, the visual appeal and strong performances from the lead actors ensure Freedom has enough appeal to be worth watching.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Freedom (2024) offers a glimpse into the life of one of France’s most charming and unconventional criminals. Mélanie Laurent’s vision brings a humanized, if glossy, portrayal of Sulak, exploring themes of love, freedom, and moral ambiguity. The film’s stylish execution and standout performances make it an enjoyable watch for fans of crime dramas and romantic thrillers alike.
So, if you’re intrigued by the story of a non-violent mastermind in pursuit of love and liberty, tune in to Amazon Prime Video to watch Freedom and dive into Bruno Sulak’s fascinating world.
Ready to dive into Bruno Sulak’s story? Watch Freedom (2024) on Amazon Prime Video today and experience a compelling blend of romance and high-stakes heists!
