Amazon Prime Video has acquired streaming rights for “Sound of Freedom,” this summer’s unlikely (and controversial) box office hit.
The film will be available to Prime Video subscribers in the U.S. for no additional charge on Dec. 26. It’s already available for purchase or rent on digital platforms, including Prime Video.
“Sound of Freedom” was released theatrically in July and generated $184 million in North America and $242 million globally. It became the first independent release in post-pandemic times to surpass $100 million in the U.S. and Canada and currently ranks as the 10th biggest domestic film of the year.
Religious and conservative media groups rallied behind the film, which was partially crowdfunded and backed by the Utah-based Angel Studios. The independent streaming and distribution company used unconventional efforts to promote “Sound of Freedom,” including a “Pay It Forward” app to allow people to buy and donate tickets to others. The company framed the initiative as a way to raise awareness about child trafficking.
Alejandro Monteverdewrote and directed “Sound of Freedom,” which is based on the story of Tim Ballard (“Passion of the Christ” star Jim Caviezel), a former government agent who embarks on a mission to rescue children from sex traffickers in Colombia.
“Sound of Freedom”stirred up some controversy upon its initial release, with detractors accusing the film of embellishing the reality of child exploitation and stoking political conspiracy theories.Rolling Stone called “Sound of Freedom”a “QAnon-tinged thriller,” one that is designed to “appeal to the conscience of a conspiracy-addled boomer.”
Audience and some critics have responded more favorably, withPvNewchief film critic Owen Gleibermancalling “Sound of Freedom” a “compelling movie that shines an authentic light on one of the crucial criminal horrors of our time, one that Hollywood has mostly shied away from.”
