Movie Review: ‘Homestead’ – A Faith Filled Exploration of Survival Amid Societal Collapse

What would you do when society starts to collapse? Is there a safe place you can retreat to for food, shelter, and security? Who can you trust? And does your faith matter? These questions, both harrowing and thought-provoking, lie at the heart of ‘Homestead‘, a gripping yet contemplative survival drama/action/thriller directed by Ben Smallbone. Co-written by Phillip Abraham, Leah Bateman, and Ben Kasica, it is a story that delves into the challenges of maintaining humanity and order in a fractured world. A world that doesn’t seem too far away from us.

The story follows a group of families seeking refuge at a rich man’s mountain compound during a rapid collapse of society. They must learn to coexist and also protect themselves from any external dangers that could threaten their community. It’s a story about survival, morality, and faith, wrapped in an apocalyptic package that touches on themes of self-reliance, leadership, and the human condition.

The film’s plot starts when a nuclear bomb detonates in Los Angeles, plunging America into unprecedented chaos. Systems crash, inflation soars, and fear grips the nation as people scramble for survival. We are introduced to Evie (played by Susan Misner), a mother who flees her home with her three children to make it to the safety of the ‘Homestead‘ which is a fortified mountain compound owned by Ian Ross (played by Neal McDonough) and his wife, Jenna (played by Dawn Olivieri). The compound has been built to be self-sustainable in apocalyptic scenarios and is capable of supporting several families. Ian, a wealthy and pragmatic man, has entrusted security to Jeff Eriksson (played by Bailey Chase), an ex-Green Beret, and his team of former military operators. As Jeff, his own family and the rest of the security team also settle into the Homestead, they must contend with unexpected arrivals also seeking sanctuary. But their biggest threat possibly, could be in the form of a shady official played by Currie Graham who has a keen interest in Ian‘s homestead and its resources.

Neal McDonough and Dawn Olivieri in Homestead (2024)

At first glance, ‘Homestead‘ seems like a film tailored for the doomsday prepper demographic. The idea of a self-sustaining haven is an aspirational fantasy for many concerned about societal collapse. Yet, the film isn’t merely about stockpiling resources or fending off external threats. It delves deeper, exploring the dynamics of leadership, trust, and morality within a community under siege.

Bailey Chase delivers an intense performance as Jeff Eriksson, a man consumed by his responsibility to protect his family and the compound. His near-obsessive focus on safety creates tension, hinting at potential conflict between him, his team, and the other residents. This dynamic, however, is underexplored, leaving viewers wanting more interpersonal drama and higher-stakes scenarios.

Neal McDonough, known for his antagonistic roles, is a pleasant surprise as Ian Ross. His portrayal is nuanced, embodying a man torn between fear for his community’s safety and the ethical challenges of leadership. Neal McDonough brings a commanding yet vulnerable presence, making Ian a relatable figure in a scenario that might not be real for many but still very relatable.

All the other key cast in the film also pull very decent performances to make the overall quality of acting good enough. You can see that everyone seems to know their limits and do their best to not overstep them. 

As the narrative progresses, you are forced to ask some questions. How many people reside at the Homestead? We never see a large grouping over everyone to give us a fair idea of how many people there are and what the living conditions are for everyone. At some points even it felt like the team Jeff brings on for security is more than the civilians on the homestead. And it even seems like there are more people outside the gate of the property than the families on it.

Bailey Chase in Homestead (2024)

Despite these questions, the film’s production values are solid and the acting performances help distract you from looking and these flaws as well as the occasional lapses in the pacing of the narrative.

The film starts strong, with the early scenes building a palpable sense of danger and urgency. The initial race to safety creates anticipation for high-stakes encounters, whether between the families and external threats or among the Homestead residents themselves. However, the film slows down considerably as it shifts focus to Jeff‘s attempts to maintain control and his growing tensions with Ian. What initially feels like a survival thriller transforms into a more introspective narrative, examining themes of faith and morality. This shift might frustrate viewers expect more action or conflict. The film teases several promising storylines like tensions between Jeff and Ian, the role of the shady official, and the moral dilemmas of accepting or rejecting new arrivals. But none of these are fully capitalized on. Instead, the narrative meanders, dragging in places where it could have delivered more intensity or resolution.

The third act marks a tonal shift, as Jenna Ross’s narration introduces the film’s underlying theme of faith. Without being overtly preachy, ‘Homestead‘ stealthy transitions into a subtle exploration of belief, morality, and humanity. It suggests that in the face of despair, faith is important. Whether in a higher power, one another, or just in the inherent goodness of people, it can be a necessary guiding force.

This layer adds emotional depth to the story but feels slightly rushed, as though the filmmakers were hesitant to lean fully into the faith-based aspects earlier. Nonetheless, the message resonates, offering a hopeful counterpoint to the bleakness of the setting. After all, this is a film from Angel Studios.

At times, ‘Homestead‘ feels like an extended pilot episode for a television series. Its premise offers endless narrative possibilities. Even the film’s ending teases a sequel, leaving viewers eager for more.

If a sequel is made, it would benefit from exploring higher-stakes scenarios and deeper interpersonal conflicts. A clearer timeline and more defined community dynamics would also enhance the story’s believability and emotional impact.

Nonetheless, ‘Homestead‘ is an ambitious survival drama that combines the tension of societal collapse with a reflective exploration of faith and humanity. Ben Smallbone’s direction, coupled with a talented cast, ensures that the story resonates emotionally, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its thriller premise.

I will score it 7/10. As a standalone film, it offers an interesting look at the complexities of survival in a failed society. As a potential series or franchise starter, it lays a solid foundation for deeper exploration.