Watch Free Range

Free Range is a 2013 Danish drama film about a rebellious girl named Lea (played by Stephanie Leon) who lives on a farm with her mother and autistic brother. Lea is discontented with her mundane life on the farm and longs for something more exciting. She frequently clashes with her mother over her desire to leave the farm and explore the world beyond.

One day, a traveling writer named Svend (played by Jakob Cedergren) arrives at the farm and offers to buy one of their cows to take with him on his travels. Lea becomes infatuated with Svend and decides to run away from home with him. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles such as a spirited horse and a hostile farmer. Despite the challenges, Lea and Svend begin to develop a close bond as they journey together.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Lea's desire to leave the farm is rooted in her feelings of self-doubt and a deep sense of loss. Her father died when she was young, and she struggles to come to terms with his absence. The film explores the complex psychology of grief and the ways in which it can manifest in unexpected ways.

One of the film's strengths is its exploration of autism through the character of Lea's brother, Bruno (played by Mikkel Boe Følsgaard). The film takes a sensitive and nuanced approach to portraying Bruno's experiences, avoiding the usual clichés about autism that often appear in film and TV.

The cinematography of Free Range is striking, with beautiful shots of the Danish countryside and vivid colors that convey the emotional intensity of the characters. The musical score is also noteworthy, with a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack that adds to the film's dreamlike quality.

Overall, Free Range is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that explores themes of grief, loss, and self-discovery. It offers a nuanced and insightful look at the human condition and the ways in which we struggle to understand ourselves and each other. Highly recommended for fans of character-driven dramas and art-house cinema.