‘Drummer Boy’ is a layered musical drama

Category: Movies

The new Angel Studios film Drummer Boy is a layered story. It takes place during the first part of the American Revolution, however the fight between the British and the Colonists is only secondary to the underlying layers of this film.

Lucas Leach and Joel David Smallbone star as Benjamin and Jeremiah Clem, brothers who lost their father on the journey to the new world, which was their way to freedom – freedom from the crown, the regulations, and subordination in Britain. 

Along with their mother Rachel (Melora Hardin) and the Balfour family, Lord Balfour (Charles Esten), his daughter Lady Elizabeth Balfour (Beth Easdown), their slave Emmaline (India Brown), and a few others, their ship was attacked by the French when they neared their new homeland. It was during this attack Nathaniel Clem was killed and Ben’s leg was badly injured.

After twelve years of living in the colonies and being subject to the same rules and taxes that governed them in England, Ben sees the writing on the wall. And when the first shots ring out at Lexington and Concord, sides are drawn.

Ben is branded a traitor because he sides with the colonists, but Jeremiah joins the red coats to save his family’s reputation. Later Ben’s intense desire for a free country leads him to enlist, however due to his damaged leg, he is initially denied. His strong conviction wins out as he demonstrates his drumming proficiency and soon becomes the drummer for his regiment of colonists led by Major John Ambrose (Iain Glen), who feels more like a father to the young boy than his leader.

As the battles wear on, Jeremiah’s affection to Lady Elizabeth has him writing her almost daily. But this snooty young woman refuses to have anything to do with this lower class man, even though they shared their childhoods and the journey to America. Emmaline, on the other hand, feels a strong connection to Jeremiah, who treats her like a woman rather than a slave.

Meanwhile, Ben is taken aback by the realities of war. He sees men dying all around him. And one day he has to face his brother on the other side of the fight.

While people think of the Civil War as the only time brothers fought brothers, this was also apparent during the Revolutionary War. Some sided with the British and the King, while others wanted freedom from the tyranny they escaped in Britain. 

Pitting two loving brothers against each other in a war of ideals is heartbreaking. Ben could not leave his regiment which was commanded by Colonel Balfour. His affection for Lady Elizabeth spurs him on, but deep down he knows breaking with the crown is the right thing to do. Freedom was what brought his family to America and why his father was killed. His father would have fought on the side of the colonists, not the British. Should Jeremiah change allegiances?

Ben also knows freedom is where his father’s loyalties would be. He sees the tyranny of the crown on Americans and could not abide by this unrelenting oppression.

The film is beautifully shot with a palette that reflects the dark time of revolution. This is not your typical dramatic story of war. On the contrary, it is more a story of family, love, forgiveness and reconciliation. 

Throughout the film are songs that help add to the storyline. They are not simply songs that are dropped into the film. They help tell the story and the feelings of the characters. And no, this is not in any way similar to the musical 1776. It is not a story of how the country was formed. It is a story of conviction, family, faith, and forgiveness.

This is also a story of slavery. While this subject is also another aspect usually connected to the Civil War, people forget this inhumane practice was brought over by the British and continued in America. The heartbreak of seeing the way these people were treated adds to the deep drama.

Modern viewers might forget how much Christianity played a role in the lives of the people back then. There are countless references to Christ and God. The religious convictions of the people ran deep.

While it might seem that releasing this film earlier in July when the country was celebrating its 250th birthday would have been a better idea, being released in November is a nice touch as the final battle, or confrontation, takes place on Christmas day.

Ben, the drummer boy, is the heart and soul of the story. He sees that kindness towards each other is what they should all be working towards, and he sees that breaking with tyranny is right, just, and important for the survival of the people of the New World. 

Drummer Boy opens in theaters November 6, 2026. It is rated PG-13 for war violence and some bloody images.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Angel Studios