Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- serious
- tense
- somber
- thoughtful movie night
- social issue double feature
What critics said
Critics found a well-intentioned contemporary western with relevant social themes but uneven execution and limited dramatic power.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The story unfolds on an Arizona ranch and at the United States-Mexico border, with a sheriff and an undocumented Mexican migrant at its center.
Former sheriff Roy and current sheriff Olivia investigate the death while Miguel's experience as a border crosser complicates the apparent explanation.
The initial assumption that Miguel caused the death is tied to his undocumented status and drives the search for answers.
Miguel's crossing and encounters with law enforcement transform the lives of the ranchers, sheriffs, and migrant involved.
Films like Frontera, and why
The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada
contemporary western setting, moral ambiguity, and border-crossing drama
Sweet Country
modern western atmosphere, grief, and a search for justice across cultural divides
Lone Star
borderland tension, law enforcement perspectives, and socially conscious drama
Movie Details
- Director
- Michael Berry
- Release Date
- 2014-07-31
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (214)
Cast
- Ed Harris
- Eva Longoria
- Michael Peña
- Amy Madigan
- Kristen DeVore Rakes
- Seth Adkins
- Lora Martinez-Cunningham
- Mia Stallard
- Julio Cesar Cedillo
- Matthew Page
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Peacock Premium, Peacock Premium Plus, Magnolia Selects Amazon Channel, Warriors and Gangsters Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, FlixFling
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, FlixFling
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Frontera about?
- A contemporary Arizona border tragedy forces two sheriffs and a Mexican migrant to confront the human cost of suspicion, grief, and divided justice.
- What is Frontera like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Frontera as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Frontera violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Frontera as moderate.
- What did critics think of Frontera?
- Critics found a well-intentioned contemporary western with relevant social themes but uneven execution and limited dramatic power.
- Which films are like Frontera?
- Films with a similar feel include The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, Sweet Country, and Lone Star.
- How long is Frontera?
- Frontera runs 103 minutes.
- Where can I watch Frontera?
- In United States, Frontera streams on Peacock Premium, Peacock Premium Plus, Magnolia Selects Amazon Channel, Warriors and Gangsters Amazon Channel.
