Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dogmatic faith-based drama about PTSD has gun violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
My Brother's Keeper
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In MY BROTHER'S KEEPER, Army Ranger Travis Fox (T.C. Stallings) is stationed in Iraq, racked with guilt and grief after his best friend "Preach" (Joey Lawrence) dies in battle. Returning stateside to attend the funeral, Travis reconnects with his other best friend, Donnie (Robert Ri'chard), while trying to piece together a mystery surrounding his own parents' death.
Is It Any Good?
From its title to the scripture in the opening frame to the first scene, this drama is wholly holy. Knowing that My Brother's Keeper's purpose is to reach Christian viewers with a tale about losing and rediscovering faith—and that Travis is just the device to tell that story—will help set viewers' expectations for how the plot will get resolved.
My Brother's Keeper deserves credit for addressing PTSD and its connection to the high rate of death by suicide among former soldiers, even if it's lacking in substantive guidance. It's not often that a story like this is told so bluntly, even if it falls short on production values. But the side story about Travis' best friend owing money to gang members is a muddled mess, further watering down any positive impact the drama might offer.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in My Brother's Keeper. How does it help tell this particular story? Is it necessary?
How can we help those in the armed forces who've returned from serving in battle?
Have you seen any other films about PTSD? How does this one compare? How many of them came from the perspective of a Black soldier? Why is diverse representation important?
How does this compare to other faith-based films you've seen?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 19, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : April 4, 2021
- Cast : T.C. Stallings , Keshia Knight Pulliam , Joey Lawrence
- Director : Kevan Otto
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Collide Distribution
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material and some violence
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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