A gripping, character-driven thriller arrives this month, promising a chilling meditation on ideology, fatherhood, and the cost of conviction. SOVEREIGN, written and directed by Christian Swegal, opens in theaters July 11 and will be available to own and rent the same day.
The film stars Dennis Quaid, Nick Offerman, and Jacob Tremblay, with a cast that also includes Thomas Mann, Martha Plimpton, and Nancy Travis. Offerman and Tremblay play Jerry and Joseph Kane, a father-son duo deeply immersed in the anti-government Sovereign Citizen movement. As they crisscross the country delivering makeshift legal seminars and preaching defiance against institutional control, their path collides with Police Chief Jim Bouchart, played by Quaid. What follows is a tense, tragic chain of events rooted in real-life confrontations and mounting paranoia.
Behind the Camera
Director and writer Christian Swegal, a graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, brings a steady and humanizing touch to a story rooted in true events. His previous work includes co-writing Proud Mary and developing the pilot Solar for Syfy. Swegal also collaborated with Werner Herzog on Fordlandia for AMC.
The film is produced by Nick Moceri and executive produced by a large team, including Tom Ortenberg, Jessica Rose, Grant Mohrman, Kerri Elder, and others.
Critical Response
SOVEREIGN made its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, drawing praise for its nuanced character study and slow-burn tension. Offerman’s performance, in particular, is being recognized as one of his most transformative, as he channels his signature stoicism into something deeply unsettling. Tremblay, in turn, delivers a vulnerable and emotionally rich portrayal of a teen struggling under the weight of his father’s beliefs. Quaid brings quiet intensity and moral gravity, grounding the film’s emotional stakes.
Themes and Impact
While inspired by real-life events, SOVEREIGN steers clear of sensationalism. It focuses instead on personal devastation, the breakdown of trust between parent and child, and the tragic consequences of unchecked ideology. Swegal avoids making it overtly political; instead, he presents a psychological examination of how desperation and disillusionment can become dangerous forces.
Where to Watch
SOVEREIGN will open in select theaters including:
- Cinema Village – New York, NY
- Monica Film Center – Los Angeles, CA
- Encino Town Center 5 – Los Angeles, CA
The film will also be available on digital platforms to rent or purchase beginning July 11. And we thank streaming platforms for that, because LA and NY are only two places where my friends and I wish other theaters would pick it up.
Runtime and Rating
- Runtime: 100 minutes
- Rating: R (for violence and language)
