Genre : Drama, Thriller

Runtime : 39min

Language : English

IMDb : 6.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes : 71%

Letterboxd : 3.1/5

Metacritic : 62%

Wikipedia : Link

Director : Iain Softley

Cast

John Travolta, Ben Radcliffe, Steven Mackintosh, Millie Kent, Ben Radcliffe, Luca Slade

Plot

“The Shepherd” is a 2023 British short film directed by Iain Softley, based on the 1975 novella by Frederick Forsyth. Set on Christmas Eve, the story follows a young RAF pilot who, while flying home across the North Sea, loses radio and electrical power, leaving him stranded with limited fuel. As his situation becomes dire, a mysterious figure—a former pilot from World War II—appears to guide him to safety. The film explores themes of faith, the supernatural, and the enduring human spirit. Released on Disney+ on December 1, 2023, “The Shepherd” has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth, despite its brief runtime. John Travolta not only stars in the film but also serves as an executive producer, adding to the film’s appeal.