‘Sovereign’ A Firm Stance Against Justice

John M. Delia Jr
Jul 13
3 min read

In recent history our country has become a playground of violence, with the many mass shootings, bombings, riots, and road rage, causing life to become unsafe for the rest of us. Other issues have arisen over the years, the cost of living has risen drastically twice causing many to lose their homes, businesses, and cars. Stress amongst us all has not been easy for many of us, homelessness seems to have risen and the cost of everything has become very high for most. Dealing with all of these things can make it hard on someone’s mental health, especially when they have lost so much during their lives that now they have to face the ultimate decision. This well portrayed storyline is based on true events that took place in Arkansas during 2010 showing us all how things can play out when there is nowhere else to turn.

After some tough times and now a widower, Jerry Kane (Nick Offerman), becomes lost in his mind, turning against the government, and becoming an extreme non-conformist. He begins to research and study loans, trusts, and foreclosures to the point that he feels he is an expert and begins to share his beliefs to others. He has very different views on how our society and the government works, which includes his rights as a law bidding citizen and his other self that fights for his ideology. While dealing with the threat of losing his home to foreclosure, Jerry speaks on a radio show that spreads his strong viewpoints to others allowing for him to spread his teachings on his philosophies and travel spreading the word.

Along with his teenage son Joe Kane (Jacob Tremblay), who is homeschooled, they travel to meetings set up for Jerry to discuss finances that are angled against the Banking industry and the American Commerce. While on their travels they run into some interesting situations that test Jerry’s principles and challenge his son's faith. Learning everything from his father Joe, he has to decide if he wants a life like most kids or does he want to be there to help his dad through this tough period. Time is running out for the both of them and they may have to make a choice before they forever seal their fate.

On the other end of their travels is friendly and well-liked Police Chief John Bouchart (Dennis Quaid), who with his wife, Patty Bouchart (Nancy Travis), have one son, Officer Adam Bouchart (Thomas Mann). Adam is new with the police force and has a wife, Jess Bouchart (Ruby Wolf), and a newborn son. Trying to keep the streets safe in their area of Arkansas, John and Adam work very hard to do what is right and sometimes things can become difficult. The final piece of the puzzle is Lesley Anne (Martha Plimpton), Jerry’s girlfriend from out west that he has met on his previous travels.

Director and writer Christian Swegal does an outstanding job staying close to the facts of the actual incident. He presented an excellent reenactment of this event giving us a detailed insight on what literally happened. His organization of the scenes allowed for the cast to execute their talent and deliver an excellent interpretation.

An amazing demonstration from Nick Offerman giving us a true understanding of what this individual might have been experiencing. By expressing the mental anguish that this character was going through and driving the incidents that transpired from these occurrences. Following the lead from Nick, the performance from Jacob Tremblay was perfect and drove the intensity through the eyes of a teenager helping you believe his reactions. Jacob who as a young man had to try and gather all this information his father gave him and react to the retaliation that was brought on by Jerry’s actions.

This marvelous rendering of this tragic story develops very well and gives a better view on what might have actually happened. Seeing this violent event unfold makes you think how easy it is to lose your sense of reality. A very entertaining narrative that is worth spending the time to see.

Final Comment: I based my grade on the magnificent depiction of this terrible account and the execution from the actors.