Drummer Boy review

I went into Drummer Boy without really knowing what to expect. Angel Studios has developed an interesting business model, distributing independently produced films alongside its own productions, and its releases can vary considerably in subject matter and ambition. so I had no idea what this was gonna be, but what I certainly wasn’t expecting was a Revolutionary War musical. But, you know, actually, I kinda liked it…

The story follows two brothers who find themselves on opposite sides of the American Revolution. With their father absent, the older brother has assumed responsibility for protecting the family’s home and livelihood. He believes the best way to preserve what they have is to support the British Crown.

His younger brother, meanwhile, has been swept up in revolutionary fervor and believes the colonies should fight for independence.

Their disagreement eventually leads them into opposing armies.

The younger brother, who is musically inclined, becomes a drummer boy for the Continental Army because he’s considered too young and small to serve as a conventional soldier. His older brother joins the British forces and ultimately receives a commission and command responsibilities.

The two consequently find themselves confronting one another across the battlefield, with the older brother increasingly terrified that his younger sibling will be killed.

It’s a compelling family conflict set against the backdrop of the Revolutionary War.

But what really distinguishes the film is its music.

Drummer Boy is very much a musical, something I don’t think its marketing necessarily communicates as clearly as it should. There are numerous musical performances throughout the film, and I thought the music was excellent.

The film reminded me of the kind of historical musical spectacle associated with Newsies. I suspect someone like Kenny Ortega would appreciate what the filmmakers were attempting here.

I’m a sucker for musicals, and I’m also particularly fond of historical period pieces and war epics. This film combines all three, which makes it almost tailor-made for my interests.

I would encourage people to get out and support it. It’s the kind of production I’d like to see more of, and I enjoyed it enough that I’d happily watch it again, particularly if I could organize a group outing.