Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Low-budget Scottish horror has trauma, language, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Shepherd
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SHEPHERD follows widower Eric (Tom Hughes) as he processes the death of his wife on a remote Scottish island where supernatural forces appear to be at play.
Is It Any Good?
Competently shot and acted but desperately underwritten, this British psychological horror can't seem to decide what it wants its story to be or what it wants its characters to do. So despite the best efforts of Hughes in bringing life to Eric as he unmoors himself not just from the mainland but also reality, Shepherd leaves us with a jumble of cliches that fail to deliver any drama, shock, or intrigue. The addition of Kate Dickie as a one-eyed ferry operator adds some much needed spice. But she too is let down by obscure dialogue that muffles whatever it is the movie is trying to say.
The cinematography does do a good job of capturing the beauty and the loneliness of Eric's surroundings. But the movie's attempts at subtle scene setting are another missed opportunity, as they're often trampled over by a blaring and unruly score. Presumably the harsh sonic rumblings are supposed to take us inside Eric's head. But they rarely provide more than a headache.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Shepherd portrayed mental health. How did Eric's well-being deteriorate over the course of him working alone on a remote island? Why might this be the case? Did you think that the film handled the topic sensitively?
Did you find the movie scary? What's the appeal of horror movies? Why do people sometimes like to be scared?
Talk about the movie's violence. How did it make you feel? Could the movie have worked with less blood and gore?
Discuss the language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 6, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : May 10, 2022
- Cast : Tom Hughes , Kate Dickie , Greta Scacchi
- Director : Russell Owen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Saban Films
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some disturbing and bloody images and language
- Last updated : May 2, 2022
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