‘Homestead’ Goes Deeper than Apocalyptic Prep

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When a shared defense system proves insufficient, it’s only logical that those who are ready would desire their personal sanctuaries to be fortified.

But life isn’t so cut and dry, says part of the message within “Homestead.”

A blow-‘em-up disaster scene under the bombing of Los Angeles may be how

The movie starring Ben Smallbone starts off with a nuclear explosion in Los Angeles, followed by a period of nuclear aftermath. However, amidst the film’s thrilling continuation, authentic glimpses of human kindness emerge.

Ian and Jenna Ross, portrayed by Neal McDonough and Dawn Olivieri respectively, possess a hidden, abundant base known as Homestead. They securely safeguard their stockpiles of grains and underground water reserves.

In simpler terms, when a family with a sick member who had limited preparedness faces a hard illness, they arrive at the gate in desperate need, asking for a secure location where their loved one can recover.

Will Ian, Homestead’s chief protector, give entry?

In such extraordinary situations, it might seem unimaginable even for a civilized mind, as prejudices about “us versus them” escalate drastically. Establishing fundamental trust becomes crucial in a “SHTF” (Stuff Hits The Fan) scenario. Striking the right balance between safeguarding and sharing resources presents a challenge.

One approach could be: Building trust in extreme scenarios might seem impossible, given the rise of “us versus them” sentiments. However, finding the correct equilibrium between self-preservation and cooperation is crucial.

Questions such as these make for relevant drama on several counts.

In “Homestead,” a screenplay penned by Philip Abraham and his spouse Leah Bateman, both of whom are industry professionals, the authenticity of the dialogue between characters Ian and Jenna might be influenced by their real-life marriage. This shared experience adds an intriguing, rare aspect to the script of “Homestead.

In a contemplative moment, Jenna Ross remarks, ‘People are curious about how the world came to an end, yet this tale unfolds the journey of its rebirth.’

I’m captivated by the idea that the rejuvenating spirit of self-reliance and freedom could be fueling the expanding homesteading movement. It’s tough to quantify exactly how many people have chosen to disengage from the system and cultivate their own food, but it’s been suggested that around 2.2 million Americans in the millennial generation identify as homesteaders.

Don’t expect that in headlines. To paraphrase Gil Scott-Heron:

The homesteading won’t appear on television.

The homesteading will occur without being broadcasted on TV.

Or:

The homesteading is happening privately, not for the cameras.

The movie explores themes of transformative changes, both externally and internally. Leveraging an expanding audience fascinated by such topics, “Homestead” aligns itself with other movies and series focusing on rural farming communities, including “The Lunatic Farmer,” “Clarkson’s Farm,” and, in its unique manner, the upcoming production of “Civil War” set for 2024.

Instead of being solely about fleeing Los Angeles, harvesting essential food supplies at crucial times, and using rifles to defend against intruders, “Homestead” can also be seen as a story imbued with biblical themes, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, compassion, and godliness in the face of any hardships.

A number of urban critics, who sometimes find prepper movies too didactic or unappealing, have expressed relief about it. The reason is that they prefer a film like this not to fragment its message or present human survival as an “either-or” issue that compromises the unity it can create.

Wondering about the spiritual foundation we tread upon each day might be a question that both the Angel Studios team and “Homestead” invite you to ponder. After all, every new day finds us starting afresh in some way or another.

Remark: The TV series titled “Homestead” and its initial two episodes have been made accessible to members of Angel Studios’ Guild.

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2025-02-09 06:03