Love is simple—until society decides it shouldn’t be.
Set against the backdrop of 1970s Apartheid South Africa, Free State is a moving, tragic, and tender film that dares to explore the human cost of cultural and racial division. Written and directed by Sallas De Jager and brought to life by a stellar ensemble cast including Nicola Breytenbach, Andrew Govinder, Leleti Khumalo, and Deon Lotz, this is not just another star-crossed romance—it’s a quietly powerful act of resistance.
Love Is Not the Crime. Society Is.
At its core, Free State follows Jeanette, a young white law graduate, and Ravi, an Indian man with a complicated family life, whose paths cross unexpectedly in a moment of kindness. What follows is an emotionally charged relationship that’s as beautiful as it is dangerous. In the eyes of the law, their interracial romance is not only taboo—it’s illegal.
This isn’t a glossy rehash of a Shakespearean tragedy or a heavy-handed political drama. Instead, Free State walks the delicate line between personal and political, giving space to cultural nuance, faith, and family.
A Refreshing Departure from the Usual “Issue” Film
Hollywood often paints Apartheid stories with a broad, obvious brush. Free State, thankfully, doesn’t. It lingers in the grey areas—where affection and injustice, rebellion and duty coexist. Rather than focusing solely on big-picture politics, it highlights those caught in its shadow.
You’ll find yourself swept away by Nicola Breytenbach’s performance—layered, introspective, and quietly fierce. And Andrew Govinder holds his own with a grounded, soulful portrayal of a man torn between duty and desire. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their dilemma is deeply felt.
What Works (and What Could Have Been More)
This film’s heart beats strongest in its atmosphere: sweeping shots of rural South Africa, rituals captured with reverence, and dialogue interwoven with Afrikaans, Hindi, and English—a testament to the nation’s cultural richness.
That said, the third act slightly falters under the weight of threads left dangling. Ravi’s complex relationship with his sister, the mystery of his engagement, and Jeanette’s identity as a newly minted lawyer all feel underdeveloped. You sense there’s more to say, but the film chooses to keep its focus narrow.
Still, what remains is more than worth the watch.
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH FREE STATE — RIGHT NOW ON Cpics.tv
Because some stories still need to be told.
Because real love defies laws, borders, and ignorance.
Because this isn’t history—it’s a mirror.
Watch Free State now, only on Cpics.tv
A must-see for fans of Romeo & Juliet, Titanic, and deeply human dramas that leave a mark long after the credits roll.