New to Disney+, and based on the novel of the same name by Frederick Forsyth, is the British short movie, The Shepherd. Written and directed by Iain Softley, The Shepherd stars Ben Radcliffe, Claire Price, and John Travolta, and tells the story of a mysterious good Samaritan who helps out a pilot in his hour of need.
In the film, it’s Christmas Eve 1957 and young Air Force pilot Freddie is disappointed that his period of leave has been denied. However, when one of his fellow pilots is injured and unable to fly home for Christmas, Freddie puts in a request to take his place.
After being granted permission to return home, Freddie sets off across the North Sea in what should be a simple, 66-minute journey. However, shortly into his flight, Freddie’s compass fails and he gets lost over the sea.
With no response from ground control, the weather taking a turn for the worst, and his fuel reserves beginning to dwindle, Freddie finds himself in serious trouble. That is until a fellow pilot named Johnny Kavanagh appears in the sky, offering some much-needed assistance.
Clocking in at just under 40-minutes, The Shepherd offers up a short, sharp blast of heartwarming drama. The story is one filled with hope, faith, and good will, and this is perfectly suited for the festive season.
The Shepherd is a story about someone doing a good deed because it is in their nature and it is the right thing to do. Johnny Kavanagh is a guiding force, or a helpful spirit if you will, and his presence is meant to represent someone who will forever have our backs in times of unrest or despair.
In essence The Shepherd is a Christmas ghost story, but one which is positive and in no way spooky. There is a supernatural vibe to Freddie’s encounter with the mysterious Johnny Kavanagh, but it is a vibe which is both comforting and uplifting, as well as emotionally charged.
Ben Radcliffe takes on the role of Freddie for this short, while John Travolta plays Johnny Kavanagh. Both are well cast and their performances fit the tone of the film perfectly.
Travolta doesn’t get a great deal to do, but he nails every line he is given. In the few minutes he is on screen he depicts his character as a calming, trustworthy presence, and he does this effortlessly.
As soon as Johnny Kavanagh turns up, you simply know everything will be OK. Sure, this does mean The Shepherd becomes predictable quite quickly, but somehow it doesn’t matter, because the central message of hope and compassion is far more important than locking in a surprising conclusion for anyone not already familiar with this fairly well-known tale.
The Shepherd isn’t perfect and it could benefit from being a little more dramatic, especially when Freddie runs into trouble, but this is a strong little film regardless. It is beautifully shot, the running time is just about right, and ultimately it is lovely to watch.
Although The Shepherd isn’t particularly Christmassy in its presentation, it does fit right into the season and it makes for a real festive treat, ideal for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. It is a short best enjoyed with the lights down low, the fire turned up high, and a heart which is open to good deeds at this time of year.
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