As division continues to grip the nation, For King + Country is bringing a powerful message of faith, forgiveness and reconciliation to the big screen.
The new film, Drummer Boy, arrives in theaters nationwide Nov. 6, taking audiences back to the American Revolutionary War, where battles over freedom, loyalty and family reveal a much deeper spiritual struggle.
The film, co-directed by Joel and Ben Smallbone and distributed by Angel Studios, follows two brothers caught on opposing sides of the war. Through music, sacrifice and unexpected challenges, the story confronts the destructive consequences of pride and the extraordinary power of forgiveness.
Actor Charles Esten, known for his roles in Nashville and Outer Banks, plays Lord Balfour, a British aristocrat whose convictions ultimately become entangled with bitterness and an unwillingness to extend grace.
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In a recent YouTube interview with CBN News, Esten explained how his character illustrates the danger of placing personal loyalties above God’s commands.
“He’s getting lost in prioritizing those … above God and above, just, even just simple love and forgiveness that God wants for us all to share,” Esten said.
The actor also challenged the idea that political allegiance determines someone’s standing before God, emphasizing that genuine Christian faith must be demonstrated through love, regardless of disagreements.
“Are you showing God’s love in whatever position you take in that?” he asked.
For Esten, these themes extend beyond the movie screen. Reflecting on his own Christian journey, including his daughter’s childhood leukemia diagnosis, he described how life’s most difficult circumstances have deepened his dependence on prayer and God’s grace.
Ultimately, Esten hopes Drummer Boy encourages audiences to reconsider broken relationships and recognize that even the deepest divisions do not have to have the final word.
As he reflected on the film’s central message, Esten pointed to one powerful statement: “Forgiveness is revolutionary.”
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about Abby at abbytrivett.com.
