The Bad Shepherd

'The Bad Shepherd' takes a well-trodden path in the thriller genre, presenting a premise most of us have seen before, i.e. A group of friends are thrust into a moral dilemma and their unity crumbles as tensions rise, before deadly results ensue. While this setup doesn't break new ground, the film delivers a decent enough experience for fans of the genre.

It's a simple tale - a group of mates think they've accidentally run over a woman, but, before they can phone an ambulance, they discover she has a bag full of money on her - guess what... they think better of calling 911 straight away!

What sets 'The Bad Shepherd' apart is that it at least makes viewers question their own moral compass. Each dilemma the characters face feels grounded in reality, forcing us to ponder what we'd do in that situation? Even if the cast lacks any big names, the performances are perfect for what they need to be and the actors bring a sense of authenticity to their roles, which helps elevate the average script.

However, the ending may leave some viewers thinking that it belongs to a different movie, deviating from the grounded tone established earlier. I didn't mind it spinning to something - in my opinion - completely different, some may feel a little cheated by the 'reveal.'

In the end, 'The Bad Shepherd' is a solid enough thriller that doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it doesn't need to - it's a worthwhile watch.

Four guy friends on a hunting trip hit a woman with their truck. They find that she was carrying a suitcase full of cash. As they load her dead body onto their truck, a cop shows up. Later, a mysterious man confronts them about the cash.

This starts initially with a perfectly good crime thriller premise. Almost immediately, the writing has problems. I don't know why they're carrying around the body. Grab the bag and go. The problems keep piling on. The acting is bad. The film looks weak. While intriguing, the mystery guy makes limited sense until the reveal. The reveal and the actual premise of this story could have been great. The execution leaves a lot to be desired. It needs to lay out much more bread crumbs for the reveal to mean more.

I enjoyed it. It's very watchable and morally interesting. Kind of a "what would you do?" scenario.

No spoilers here. It's a bit far fetched but what movie isn't really. It has good back stories that help to form the present story of 4 "friends" that go on a hunting trip and suddenly find themselves in a situation. I like how the movie immediately starts with no boring introduction. It gets right into it so it pulls you in from the start. Yeah, there are some goofs...one guys hair changes 3 times in the final scene for no reason. Oh, speaking of that, each character has a haircut right out of GQ magazine and beards...lots of beards.

There is a twist at the end which ties the whole movie together bringing it not only full circle but even back to before the circle.

It's only an hour and a half without much useless filler. Ignore the 1 star reviews. My 7 star was a bit generous but I enjoyed watching it.

The storyline in the story was incredibly impactful, and it left me thinking long after I finished it. It's one of those narratives that make you reflect on your own values, the strength of your friendships, and even your understanding of yourself. It dives deep into the complexities of human relationships and what happens when the people you think you know best are put in a situation where their loyalty and character are truly tested.

At first glance, it may seem like a typical story about friendship or personal growth, but as the plot unfolds, it reveals something much deeper. The characters in this story, who are portrayed as friends who have known each other for a long time, are forced into a difficult situation that causes their bonds to unravel. This exposes a harsh truth: you can spend years with people, sharing memories and experiences, and still not truly know who they are when their principles are challenged.

This theme is both sad and eye-opening because it sheds light on the fragile nature of human relationships. It shows that people, even those who we consider closest to us, may not always live up to the ideals we believe they represent. The characters' responses to the situation they face reveal their true selves in ways that we, as the audience, might not have expected. It's a jarring realization that, sometimes, loyalty and character can be easily swayed by external pressures or personal flaws.

In any friendship, there's often an assumption that the people closest to us will act in a way that aligns with the values we hold dear. Whether it's standing by us during difficult times, offering support when needed, or sharing our same sense of right and wrong, we often look to our friends to mirror our own beliefs and ethics. This story challenges that assumption, highlighting the complexity of human nature and the unpredictability of how people will act when put under stress.

One of the most thought-provoking aspects of the story is how it reveals that we rarely know someone as deeply as we think we do. Our relationships with others are often based on shared experiences, laughter, and memories, but these aspects don't necessarily give us insight into the core of a person's character. The story takes us through a series of events that test the friends' loyalty to each other and force them to make difficult decisions. As the plot progresses, it becomes clear that loyalty is not just about being there for someone in good times; it's about standing by them, even when doing so might not be convenient, easy, or morally clear-cut.

This realization can be painful because it challenges the very foundation of trust that friendships are built on. It asks the reader to reconsider what it means to be truly loyal, to question whether loyalty is an unwavering commitment or whether it's something that can be compromised depending on the circumstances. It also forces you to examine your own character-how you would react if you were placed in a similar situation, and what your choices would say about you.

As you reflect on the characters' decisions and the eventual fallout, it becomes clear that the story isn't just about the breakdown of friendship, but also about self-discovery. Through the actions of others, each character is forced to confront their own beliefs, values, and boundaries. It's a painful process, but ultimately, it's an opportunity for growth and understanding.

In conclusion, this storyline is far more than just a simple narrative about friendship; it's an exploration of human nature and the complexities of personal values. It forces the audience to grapple with difficult questions about loyalty, trust, and the people we choose to surround ourselves with. In the end, it serves as a reminder that true character is often revealed under pressure, and that sometimes, those we think we know best may surprise us when tested. The emotional weight of the story lingers long after the final page, leaving a lasting impression on how we view our own relationships and the values that guide us.

Who are these four central characters anyway? Why are they even together on a hunting trip? Who is the protagonist to root for? Why do they do what they do? I probably would have this review contain spoilers if there was anything possible to spoil. There isn't. It was monotonous and painfully boring. I'm not exactly sure where these other reviews came from. I watched it only because it is a 6.5 rating but that only came from 10 reviews so I'm assuming they must be from the actors who made it. Hahahaha. Because no one in their right right mind is going to rate this movie more than a three. So do yourself a favor and avoid paying the money for this. If you really need to see it, just wait until it's free somewhere and I'm quite sure after the first 15 minutes you will shut it off because trust me, Nothing more happens any interest.