In 2018, Jeff Kirkman & Jason Ross published a book titled, “Black Autumn.” Set in a post-apocalyptic world, a Special Forces soldier and others work with a survivalist to provide food and shelter. Conflict ensues over personal matters of leadership, maintaining provisions for hungry folks. The soldier and survivalist encounter hostile forces. The book spawned nine installments. In 2023, Angel Studios developed a film adaptation under “Homestead” with Bailey Chase & Neal McDonough as the lead characters. The film was funded by the Angel Guild.
Released in 2024, (same year My Hero Academia: You’re Next came out) it received mixed reviews from critics and was a modest box office success. A follow up TV series streamed in 2025 on Angel Studios’ app. All eight episodes of Season 1 are available. Season 2’s currently in development.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Strong & Weak Aspects
Strong: Neal McDonough & Bailey Chase both did a splendid job for their respective performances. The former served as an executive producer.
Ben Smallbone did a good job directing. He also served as a co-producer.
Sam Sheridan served as a producer. He’s married to “Wonder Woman” director, Patty Jenkins.
Practical Effects were heavily involved. Visual Effects were used sparingly.
Cinematography’s shot in stable condition.
Chemistry between the main leads serve as the main highlight.
The first 9 minutes officially establishes the world is falling apart.
Character Development involving the main leads. As the film progresses, they work to build a stable community. The TV show expands character arcs.
Primary Themes are Survival, Morality, Family, Faith & Community. Each one’s handled maturely.
Weak: Pacing issues in between. Sometimes it flows smoothly, sometimes it flows like heavy traffic in the Santa Monica Freeway. I expected some fight scenes with our heroes defending their turf against scavengers who want their resources.
An early romance with Abe & Claire occurred. I didn’t care about their so-called “chemistry.” If this were real life, it would take weeks or months for two people to know one other until a relationship is fully established. I hate an early romance.
Opening Scene with two characters speaking another language. It’s hard to read the subtitles. Why? Because the background’s in the broad daylight. Subtitles are in white. Why didn’t the editor choose other color like black or green for the viewer to comprehend what’s going on?
Fun Facts
- Before the apocalypse, “Tuttle Twins” appears on TV.
- Neal instantly signed on to star in the film. Because he always wanted to play a good guy. He’s often typecasted as a bad guy.
Random Thoughts
- I never read the Black Autumn book series. My first exposure to Homestead was a trailer on YouTube. I was interested in seeing Neal McDonough in a post-apocalyptic films. I’m into these type of flicks like “Mad Max: The Road Warrior,” “28 Days Later” & “Akira.” Neal’s a talented underrated character actor.
- I’m not a member of the Angel Guild. I saw “Sound of Freedom” & “Young Washington” in theaters. They’re pretty good.
- I didn’t see Homestead in theaters or on Angel Guild’s app. I watched it on Paramount Plus.
The Final Verdict: B-
Although a messy pilot movie, I thought it was okay. Neal McDonough & Bailey Chase’s performances saved it from becoming a borefest. if you interested in watching Homestead, give it a try. After you see the pilot movie, check out Season 1 to continue where the story left off. Only way to gain access, is to subscribe for $12-$20 per month. Depending on which membership plan you’re choosing. Either with ads or no ads. Someday, I’ll work on a review of Homestead: The Series. I got a lot on my plate.
