The Public

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2:31

The Public

PG-13

2019

1h 59m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

65%

Tomatometer

96 Reviews

39%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

An act of civil disobedience turns into a standoff with police when homeless people in Cincinnati take over the public library to seek shelter from the bitter cold.

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Critics Consensus

Its intentions are sometimes easier to appreciate than its execution, but The Public remains an earnest and reasonably engaging social advocacy drama.

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Peter Rainer

FilmWeek (LAist)

Sep 15, 2020

It's heart is in the right place in many ways, but it just outlines everything so clearly in red marker that it doesn't let you discovers things for yourself. Still, it's an estimable effort in some ways.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

Feb 24, 2020

2/5

That everything ends on a weird happy-clappy high is indicative of a scattershot project that could have done with less ambition, more focus.

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Linda Marric

The Jewish Chronicle

Feb 21, 2020

2/5

The Public presents a heartening story of triumph of good over evil, but sadly lacks the gravitas one would usually expect from these types of stories.

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JD Duran

InSession Film

Aug 19, 2024

A

It's filled with strong, relevant messages while still being fun and watchable.

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M.N. Miller

Ready Steady Cut

Aug 18, 2022

2.5/5

When you combine The Public’s penchant for cheap sentiment and its social advocacy message, you get the equivalent of cinematic social conscience fluffernutter that is spread too thin.

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Greg Wetherall

NME (New Musical Express)

Jun 14, 2021

3/5

Emilio Estevez tackles blinkered bureaucrats in this high-minded social advocacy drama.

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Kyle B

@RT26199972 Jul 15, 2026

This film was amazing. If you are a fan of Emilio Estevez, you have learned to be patient. It took 9 years after The Way for this to be released, but it was well-worth the wait. The film is an old-fashioned social drama in the vein of Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life crossed with John Ford's Grapes of Wrath. Stuart Goodson (Emilio Estevez) is a librarian at the Cincinnati public libraries main branch. He is joined by fellow librarian Myra (Jena Malone), his boss Mr. Anderson (Jeffrey Wright). Goodson forms a relationship with Angela (Taylor Schilling). Also joining the cast is Estevez regular Christian Slater (Young Guns II, Bobby). A group of homeless people led by Michael K. Williams use the library as a de facto homeless shelter to stay out of frigid, cold conditions outside. Goodson finds himself in trouble over a lawsuit and then he rebels against the system and occupies the library. Alec Baldwin also joins the cast. Estevez was not vain, but he could see clearly now. Awesome.

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Laura S

@lorakeet Dec 1, 2025

This is one of the few films I went to see by myself. Because I saw an interview with Estevez on Chicago Tonight, where he talked about his research for the film. I wasn't disappointed -- I loved it and have recommended to many.

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Stephen C

@bob25009 May 27, 2025

What were you all thinking?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Deepest Bluest Suede Darius Dick Stinger Apini Emanuel Grouch Nukem III AKA The Rumble AKA Jennyanyany McPoopface Bridgerton AKA The Count of Monte Fisto

@RT91120088 Apr 5, 2025

An unhoused gentleman? What are you talking about zere iz no such thing.

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Andy B

@RT57201143 Aug 5, 2023

Love this movie so much on so many levels... a truly 'feel good' i have watched more than once.

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deke p

@RT96675217 Apr 6, 2022

"MESSage" movie guilt trips reluctance to open public buildings, libraries, to 'house the homeless". The final scenes is emblematic of the side that thinks that makes sense and would be good for anyone. Saw it in theater when it came out. It's on the TV set again Tues 4.5.22 on ch34.3. The 'BOUNCE Channel'

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Emilio Estevez

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Alec Baldwin

Detective Bill Ramstead

Emilio Estevez

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The Public: Trailer 1

2:31

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Synopsis

An act of civil disobedience turns into a standoff with police when homeless people in Cincinnati take over the public library to seek shelter from the bitter cold.

Director: Emilio Estevez
Producer: Lisa Niedenthal, Alex Lebovici, Steve Ponce, Emilio Estevez
Screenwriter: Emilio Estevez
Distributor: Greenwich Entertainment
Production Co: E2 Films, Cedarvale Pictures, Hammerstone Studios
Rating: PG-13 (Nudity|Language|Some Suggestive Content|Thematic Material)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 5, 2019, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 2, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $571.2K
Runtime: 1h 59m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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