The Shepherd

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)

Short Take: The phrase comes from the film industry, originally, and it means a short bit of recording or “something that only takes a short time,” especially if a longer version may be done later.

Short Take review: A short review of this short film with potential discussion points

Renowned journalist and author Frederick Forsyth is recognised for his stories of espionage and covert military operations. At the same time, his devoted fans have come to love his novella based on a solo flight across the North Sea. Set in 1957, Freddie Hook (Ben Radcliffe) is a Royal Air Force pilot who wants to return to England for Christmas to be with his girlfriend, Lizzie (Millie Kent). He is given his first overnight flight to fly a Vampire jet from a base in Germany. It all looked like a smooth flight until most of his gauges malfunctioned, and he was left without any direction to get home. Things look bleak for the young pilot until he hears a voice from another pilot (John Travolta) who unexpectedly comes along to guide him home.

As one of Forsyth’s novellas, the brevity of the storyline leads to a simplicity within the screenplay that is beautifully simple and compelling. The conciseness of the tale means there is minimal character development and predictability of the outcome. Still, this does not diminish the charm of one man’s unexpected spiritual faith journey. The strengths and weaknesses of this project are found in its briefness, which allows for a straightforward narrative. Yet, a yearning to know more about each character will leave viewers wanting more and wishing this was a feature-length film. The Shepherd is wonderfully satisfying despite leaving audiences wanting more.

Reel Dialogue: How does prayer Work?

On that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. - John 16:23–24

At one point of desperation, Airman Hook prays for guidance and help in his harrowing situation. Without spoiling the twist in this short film, it can be said that prayer is a gift for humanity to talk with God. We can speak with Him, spend time with Him, ask for help, and draw closer to Him in the good and bad times of life. There is no need to pray through a statue, to have special headgear on, or to wait for a ‘professional’ to give you access; prayer is something anyone can do anywhere.

This time of communicating with God allows people to give thanks, share requests, and express adoration for His presence. The one catch is a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. God can hear everything and knows your needs, but to access this relationship is to believe in God. In the Bible, Jesus told his followers to pray in His name, which means to speak confidently in His authority, based on a connection with Him, for what would honour and glorify God.

There is a beautiful simplicity to prayer, while an indescribable complexity to all it offers to those who pray.

If you would like to discuss the topic of prayer and God, reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat with you about this and more.