Faith-based film industry matures with “Homestead”

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association pioneered Christian movies in the 1960s. These early films, often screened on 16mm projectors in church basements and fellowship halls, presented a straightforward gospel message culminating with an altar call.

Faith-based films began coming of age in the past decade, with filmmakers making use of higher budgets and improved production values to reach broader audiences. And now, Angel Studios is expanding the genre with its latest theatrical release and companion television series, “Homestead.” This is not a stereotypical Christian movie plot, as the studio synopsis reveals:

A nuclear bomb is detonated in Los Angeles, and the nation devolves into unprecedented chaos. Ex-Green Beret Jeff Eriksson and his family escape to The Homestead, an eccentric prepper’s fortress nestled in the mountains. As violent threats and apocalyptic conditions creep toward their borders, the residents of The Homestead are left to wonder: How long can a group of people resist both the dangers of human nature and the bloodshed at their doorstep?

Actor Jesse Hutch, who plays the role of Evan Lee, elaborated on the premise in an interview with “Metro Voice.”

“At a 20,000-foot view, `Homestead’ is an exploration of humanity,” he said. “It puts people in a world, the world does what it’s set to do and the people have to respond and live within it. And that’s all of us, isn’t it? I really feel this is a movie where you can find yourself. I believe everyone for sure will be able to connect with one character. There is going to be someone that you resonate and connect with. You also may find someone that you want to see more of yourself in. It can be an encouragement to all of us, so that is why I am excited about this movie.”

Viewers may recognize Hutch from one of his more than 100 professional film and television roles, ranging from romantic comedies to action movies.

“I feel comfortable and think I am becoming known as an actor who can move among different genres,” he said. “I am thankful, because I enjoy doing all types of roles, and I love surprising people. Something I have learned as an actor who has played different roles is that we are capable of doing new things. God made you to do more things than you know. God is trying to tell you that you actually are built for more.”

Hutch was drawn to the character he portrays in the movie.

“What attracted me to the role of Evan Lee was, first off all, I love action,” he said. “I have been a stunt performer for most of my career. Evan is a Green Beret, and I want to do my best to honor the men and women who serve. On top of that, I like the character and who Evan is. He is a grounded individual who wants to find the good in people. He wants to help everybody find the right path.”

Hutch believes audiences will first be entertained, and then challenged.

“I think `Homestead’ has the potential to reach a multitude of people,” he said “If you are a plumber, you don’t say, `I am a Christian plumber.’ You just go be a really good plumber. Who you are and your values and your faith are going to come out of that. I think that is `Homestead.’ Yes, we have threads of hope and faith, but we are not looking to cram it down people’s throats. We are looking for an avenue of entertainment that allows people to receive it if they like.”

The objective is not to tell viewers what to think but to start a conversation about the things that matter most.

“My hope is that people begin to think and talk about themselves, their community and the people they love, and how they approach life,” Hutch said. “It could be, `I want to take my life into my hands more, what does that look like?’ I hope they say, `I want to call my mom, my brother and cousins and get together and have a meal and just be with them.’

“This is not a gloom-and-gloom movie about the end times. It’s actually about overcoming, taking choices into your hands and doing something about it. I think everyone has the capability of doing that, and you do not need to be afraid of that. Maybe this will help all of us approach a renewed mind.”

As an added bonus, viewers can scan a QR code at the end of the movie that will give them access to the first two episodes of the television series.

“The story continues,” he said. “What is cool is that you can go into this movie knowing there is more. So enjoy the ride, have fun, get caught up in it and when it’s done, you get to go watch more and live with these characters in a deeper fashion.”

“Homestead,” which is rated PG-13, will open in theaters nationwide on December 20. For more information and to view the trailer, visit

“I feel like it’s timely,” Hutch said. “A big theme in America now is living the way I want to live. Yes, it’s entertaining, but it’s also thoughtful, and there are some really good themes in it Viewers will walk away able to reflect on it and think about life.”

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice