Angel’s Apocalyptic ‘Homestead’ Challenges Christians To Love Their Neighbors When Life Gets Hard

A nuclear blast obliterates Los Angeles. Civilization crumbles into chaos. The new film “Homestead” tells the story of Jeff Eriksson (Bailey Chase), an ex-Green Beret, and his family, who flee to a fortified mountain retreat. What unfolds is not only a fight for survival but also an exploration of trust, faith, and the cost of love in a fractured world.

In addition to Chase, “Homestead” stars Neal McDonough (“The Shift,” “Walking Tall,” “Tulsa King”), Dawn Olivieri (“Den of Thieves,” “Yellowstone”), Jesse Hutch (“Batwoman”), Kearran Giovanni (“Major Crimes”), and Currie Graham (“Reacher,” “NYPD Blue”).

Directed by Ben Smallbone, “Homestead” premieres in theaters on Dec. 20. The film offers a gripping post-apocalyptic narrative that raises profound questions: How do we love our neighbors when it could endanger our families? How can faith guide us when resources are scarce and danger looms?

RELATED: What the Bible Means When It Talks About the Apocalypse

Smallbone, who is one of the seven famous Smallbone siblings, is best known for his work on “Priceless” and many music videos for his brothers’ Grammy Award-winning group for KING + COUNTRY.

“I’ve always been fascinated with revelations, the Apocalypse, and end-times thrillers,” Smallbone told ChurchLeaders. “The 90s were filled with post-apocalyptic stories, and I was drawn to them. They open opportunities for incredible conversations—both on and off the screen.”

Smallbone sees “Homestead” as more than just entertainment. For him, it’s a conversation starter for preparedness, faith, and humanity’s connection to creation.

“We live in a time where it feels like we’re on the cusp of dealing with these kinds of situations,” he said. “What would happen if this did come true? God forbid if it did, but what would that look like? That kind of fascinated me. The movie and the series that’s coming talk about a lot of those things.”

Ben Smallbone: ‘Loving Your Neighbor Is Easy When Life Is Easy’

At its core, “Homestead” wrestles with the tension between Christian love and survival instincts. Smallbone explained how the story challenges viewers to think about their faith in the most extreme conditions.

“Loving your neighbor is easy when life is easy,” he said. “But what happens when loving your neighbor risks your family’s safety? If the hospitals are down, the electrical grid is out, and your neighbor is sick—what does that look like? Can you trust them?”

“These are some of these questions that we start asking in in the film,” he added. Smallbone hopes the film will inspire audiences to consider how their faith would hold up in dire circumstances.

While “Homestead” is a thrilling exploration of survival, it also urges viewers to think practically about preparedness.