HOMESTEAD

HOMESTEAD is about the aftermath of a collapsed civilization. A wealthy man, Ian Ross, has built a compound for such a time. Ross insists that the compound can only sustain a limited number of people. He hires a small militia to protect it. The militia clashes with the inhabitants who have a moral problem with locking out those in need. The move has a lot of energy and momentum that drives the story forward into a thought-provoking thriller.

HOMESTEAD has a strong Christian, moral worldview that promotes family, prayer and compassion. However, it has intense scenes of peril, chaos and violence, including a scene where an innocent man is accidentally killed. So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for teenagers and adults.

Jeff Eriksson is an ex-military operative who’s hired to protect a wealthy man’s compound after a nuclear attack cripples civilization. Jeff brings his family to the compound, along with a dozen of his operatives. His family, especially his son, Abe, accuse him of overreacting. They soon realize that civilization has collapsed.

The compound was built by a few families preparing for a crisis situation. It has been occupied by a homeschooling family living off the grid. The family has built up food and supplies to sustain them, with some methods to self-sustain in the future. Jeff clashes with the peaceful residents living off the land. He’s been hired to keep them safe. However, they’re not comfortable locking out those in need.

Meanwhile, Jenna, the rich man, Ian’s, wife, pleads with him to help those outside the gate. He does the math and shows her they only have enough for less than a year for those already living inside.

At the same time, tensions rise between Jeff and his wife, Evie, and family, as well. Evie and Jenna band together to find viable solutions to help all in need.

A tragedy occurs, and the situation escalates out of control. Is there a way to turn things around?

HOMESTEAD delivers a compelling story, interesting cinematography, and good acting. In the rough cut MOVIEGUIDE® saw, the sound is off at times, in an overwhelming and repetitive way. This problem probably will be fixed in the final cut. Neil McDonough gives a strong performance as Ian Ross. The movie also raises some valid ethical questions in a scenario which no longer feels out of the realm of possibilities in today’s cultural or political climate. Fear begins to cripple otherwise good men and women who want to protect their families. They sin against their neighbors in ways reflecting the lower levels of humanity. God tells us not to be afraid in Isaiah 41:10. Jesus also tells his discipled, “Do not be afraid” in Matthew 17:6. Fear blocks us from recognizing God’s grace and direction.

Happily, HOMESTEAD does a very good job showing how the families in the compound grapple with some very real fears and struggle to lead. Their faith and trust in God continually lift them up from the ashes. This is a great message for Christmas time, when HOMESTEAD us being released, and throughout the year.