Free State of Jones

In October 1862, Confederate soldiers in Jones County, Mississippi, gather in preparation for the imminent Battle of Corinth. This intense atmosphere sets the stage for the fierce conflict between the Confederate army and Union forces that is about to unfold.

Medic Newton Knight, portrayed by Matthew McConaughey, dedicates himself to carrying the wounded away from the battlefield and tending to their injuries. His experiences in war bring him to a painful realization of the brutality and bloodshed surrounding him.

Newton's disillusionment deepens when he learns that slave owners are exempt from serving in the army. This revelation forces him to wrestle with the moral implications of fighting in a war for the benefit of those who are untouched by its violence.

A distressed teenage boy named Daniel comes to Newton, sharing the heart-wrenching news that his family's possessions have been seized. Understanding Daniel's plight, Newton offers him solace in a time of chaos, demonstrating his compassion in the face of overwhelming adversity.

During a harrowing day of battle, Daniel is tragically shot while fighting alongside Newton. Newton desperately attempts to save him, but despite his efforts, he is left to grieve the young boy's death, marking a pivotal loss in his fight against the ravages of war.

Returning to his wife Serena after the battle, Newton expresses his growing discontent with the conflict. This visit reveals the strain that the war has placed on their relationship and the hardships they both face during this turbulent time.

As Newton navigates personal hardships, he searches for medical assistance for his ailing infant son. At a local roadhouse, he meets Rachel, a slave who selflessly helps nurse his child back to health, highlighting the compassionate connections formed amidst destruction.

Fast forward to July 1863, when the fall of Vicksburg leads to a wave of soldiers deserting the Confederate army. Newton finds camaraderie among a group of runaway slaves, uniting to form a militia determined to resist oppression and build a sense of community.

Facing relentless threats from Confederate soldiers, Newton's militia takes defensive action by standing firm against their oppressors. This engagement showcases their resilience and determination to protect their newfound community against brutal reprisals.

After a series of fierce confrontations, Newton's militia successfully overpowers their former oppressors. Celebrating their hard-won freedom, they raise the American flag as a symbol of triumph and hope for a better future.

By June 1865, as the Civil War draws to a close, newly freedmen encounter new obstacles as promises of land and resources remain unfulfilled. Relationships shift dramatically as Newton and Serena reunite, highlighting their enduring bond forged through hardship.

Amidst the hopes for a brighter future, tragedy strikes when Moses, a key ally in their community, is murdered. This event serves as a harsh reminder of the ongoing dangers faced by those seeking justice and equality in the post-war era.

In a show of bravery, Newton makes a powerful march to the polls on Election Day, epitomizing the struggle for civil rights amidst lingering racial tensions. This act emphasizes the difficult journey toward equality and the ongoing systemic challenges they face.

In 1947, the narrative shifts to Newton's great-grandson, Davis, who faces trial due to his mixed heritage. This ordeal becomes emblematic of the societal struggles and prejudices that continue to affect their family and the broader community.

Unable to marry Rachel due to racial laws of the time, Newton ensures her future by gifting her 160 acres of land. This act secures her status as one of the few African-American women landowners, providing a foundation for their future together.