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Freeload is a 2014 indie documentary film directed by Daniel Skaggs. The film follows the lives of modern-day train hoppers - people who illegally ride on freight trains across the United States. Freeload features interviews with several train hoppers and explores the reasons why they have chosen this transient and dangerous lifestyle over conventional living.

The movie opens with a train hopping scene, where viewers get a glimpse into the life of train hoppers. Within the first few minutes, viewers are introduced to a few characters - Bendy, Switch, Bonafide, and Ramblin' Bill - and learn about their backgrounds and reasons for hopping trains. Through their stories, viewers get an understanding of the strong sense of community among train hoppers and also the various challenges they face, from running from the law to dangerous train hopping accidents.

One of the notable aspects of the film is its raw and gritty cinematography, which perfectly captures the roughness of the train hopping lifestyle. The film uses mostly handheld camera shots, which adds to the feeling of being a part of the journey. The locations and landscapes showcased in the movie are stunning, from the sunny beaches in California to the snow-capped mountains of Montana.

As the film progresses, viewers start to understand the motivations behind the train hoppers' way of life. For some, train hopping is a form of rebellion against the system, rejecting what they perceive as a standard, mundane life of conformity. Others hop trains as a way to escape their past or current struggles, such as addiction or difficult family life. The film also offers a glimpse into the creative side of train hopping, with musicians and artists who travel across the country performing and sharing their talent along the way.

While the sense of adventure and freedom that comes with train hopping is appealing, the film doesn't shy away from the dangers of this lifestyle. The train hoppers interviewed in the film talk candidly about the risks involved, from getting arrested and facing fines to suffering severe injuries or even death. The documentary also covers the crackdown on train hopping by law enforcement, which has led to the criminalization of the activity in many states.

One of the most compelling parts of the film is the sense of community among train hoppers. The camaraderie and support these individuals offer each other are evident throughout the movie. They share resources, look out for one another, and often form close friendships during their travels. The film also touches on the challenges that women face in this male-dominated subculture, from harassment to physical assault.

Freeload is an insightful and thought-provoking documentary that offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives of train hoppers. Through captivating storytelling and powerful imagery, the movie explores the sense of freedom, adventure, and rebellion that draws people to this lifestyle. At the same time, the film doesn't shy away from the very real and serious dangers that come with train hopping. Viewers will come away with a new appreciation for this unique subculture and the people who choose to live their lives on the rails.

Freeload is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.