LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The faith-based action movie 'Sound of Freedom' has been a surprise hit at the box office, earning $40 million in six days. But some fans suspect that the film, which tells the true story of a former Homeland Security agent who rescues children from sex trafficking, is facing a backlash from the film industry and some critics.
The movie, which stars Jim Caviezel as Tim Ballard, the founder of Operation Underground Railroad, was delayed for five years after Disney bought 20th Century Fox, who had the distribution rights. It was finally released by Angel Studios, an independent platform that claims to support uplifting content.
Is there a conspiracy against 'Sound of Freedom'?
However, some viewers have reported strange incidents at theaters showing the movie, such as refunds due to lack of air conditioning in the auditoriums, while other theaters have limited or canceled screenings. A viral TikTok video has sparked a theory that there might be a coordinated effort to discourage people from watching the movie because of its controversial subject matter.
@bleighve1112 ♬ original sound - Bleighve1112Users also commented on the video supporting the claims that there might be coordinated efforts to discourage moviegoers from watching the movies as one wrote, "I was able to see it on July 4th. I think this movie is getting so much traction, that certain people want to stop the spread of information." Another user wrote, "I heard they are trying to get it taken out of viewing." One more user wrote, "My AMC said it was almost sold out when I got my tickets online, we got there and it was just me, my mom, and 3 more people." While another user shared, "It's happening all over the place."
'I don't go to the devil to play the devil'
The Washington Post reported that some critics have accused the movie of distorting the reality of child exploitation and appealing to QAnon conspiracy theorists. Angel Studios denies these allegations and says the movie is based on factual events and aims to raise awareness and inspire action. “I think people are going to be inspired when they watch the story based on Tim’s story,” said Jared Geesey, senior vice president of global distribution for Angel Studios. Caviezel, who is known for his role as 'Jesus in The Passion' of the Christ, has also expressed his support for QAnon and said that he goes to God to tell him who the devil is. "As I've said before, I don't go to the devil to play the devil. I go to God to tell me who the devil is," Caviezel told the 'Lighthouse Faith podcast in a recent interview, Fox News reported.
'Sound of Freedom' which is a 2017 movie was delayed for five years after Disney bought 20th Century Fox and dropped it
He told Fox News that the film is personal to him, as he and his wife adopted three children from China and were aware of the dangers they faced. He also said that the United States is the biggest consumer of child trafficking and pornography in the world. Ballard, who plays himself in the movie, has also been involved in spreading conspiracy theories about child trafficking and has been criticized for his questionable methods and claims. He said that his mission is to save God’s children from being sold.
'Sound of Freedom' which is a 2017 movie was delayed for five years after Disney bought 20th Century Fox and dropped it. Producer Eduardo Verastegui as per MyParisTexas said no one, not even Amazon or Netflix, wanted to distribute it because of money issues. Angel Studios’ co-founder and CEO Neal Harmon took a year to get the rights back from Disney.
