Exploring the Heart and Soul of Homestead with Jesse Hutch and Bailey Chase
Actors Jesse Hutch and Bailey Chase bring depth and intensity to their roles in Homestead, a post-apocalyptic drama that blends action, survival, and heart. During a recent press day, the duo shared insights into their characters, the challenges of filming, and what they hope viewers take away from this gripping story.
Jesse Hutch on Playing Evan: “Grounded and Righteous”
For Jesse Hutch, stepping into the role of Evan was an easy decision, thanks to the people involved and the compelling script.
“I love how Evan is grounded and tries to do the right thing,” Hutch explained. “He’s a boots-on-the-ground type of guy whose head isn’t in the clouds. He’s not perfect, but he wants to find the best in everyone and help them navigate through the tension of their situation.”
Hutch noted that Evan’s role within the compound is multifaceted, balancing moments of humor with the high stakes of survival.
“We’re all struggling through this new tension,” he said. “Evan has to figure out how to operate in a setting with families, which is a huge shift from what he’s used to as a special operator.”
Bailey Chase on Jeff: “An Open Wound”
Bailey Chase, who plays Jeff, described his character as the moral compass of the story, grappling with the burdens of leadership and the weight of protecting those he loves.
“Jeff is an open wound throughout the film,” Chase shared. “He’s the leader, but it comes with a cost. There’s this great confrontation between my character and Neal McDonough’s, where you see two alpha males with competing agendas. Jeff is ex-military, and his job is to keep everyone safe, but that doesn’t make him the most likable guy at times.”
Chase credited his performance to spending time with the real-life Jeff Kirkham, the inspiration for his character.
“I had specific questions about how he’d handle certain situations, and his insight really helped me settle into the role,” he said.
Brotherhood and Chemistry on Set
The camaraderie between Hutch and Chase extended beyond their characters, creating a sense of brotherhood both on and off set.
“We trained together, spent time with the real-life operators, and really fell into a groove,” Hutch said. “We’d talk through scenes, figure out what wasn’t working, and make adjustments. It felt like a family.”
Chase echoed the sentiment, highlighting the balance of their differing energies.
“We have very different styles, but that balance made our performances stronger,” he added. “And when you’re filming at 8,000 feet with only 15 minutes of daylight left, that trust becomes crucial.”
The Themes of Homestead
Both actors praised the film’s exploration of survival, morality, and faith.
“At its core, Homestead is a story about protecting your family and doing the right thing,” Chase said. “It’s a timely message, and I think it’s something everyone can connect with.”
Hutch agreed, emphasizing the film’s ability to resonate with a broad audience.
“I hope everyone finds someone they connect with in this story,” he said. “Whether you’re a lawyer, a teenager, or a single parent, there’s a character here for you. This is a story about hope, challenges, and finding a little bit of yourself in the journey.”
Final Thoughts
Jesse Hutch and Bailey Chase deliver powerful performances in Homestead, a film that blends intense action with heartfelt storytelling. With themes of faith, survival, and unity, Homestead is sure to resonate with viewers looking for more than just a post-apocalyptic thriller.
Homestead is now playing in theaters. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey into the heart of survival and humanity.