🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Chad Burns
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Historical, Romance, Christian
- Release year: 2015
- Runtime (length): 1h 43min
- IMDb rating: 5.1/10 (4.3K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A double-crossed assassin pretends to be a kind vicar, falls for his former boss’s niece, then puts on a mask to do cool flips and stop an electricity bomb plot orchestrated by said boss and involving Ben Franklin.
🍿 Beyond the Mask: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Dangerous Past Catches Up
Set in 1775, William Reynolds, a skilled mercenary for the British East India Company, attempts to leave his violent past behind. His employer, Charles Kemp, double-crosses him when he tries to retire, forcing William to flee to the American Colonies. Branded a traitor and on the run, William seeks a new life and a way to redeem his name.

A New Identity and Budding Romance
In the colonies, William assumes the identity of a deceased vicar to hide from his pursuers. He finds unexpected peace and begins to fall in love with Charlotte Holloway, a principled woman unaware of his true background. William struggles to reconcile his former life with his desire for redemption and a future with Charlotte.

Secrets Exposed and a Nation at Risk
William’s past relentlessly catches up when Charles Kemp arrives in the colonies, revealed to be Charlotte’s uncle. Kemp exposes William’s identity, jeopardizing his relationship with Charlotte and forcing him back into action. William learns of a dangerous plot orchestrated by Kemp that threatens the burgeoning American independence movement.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- William Reynolds (Andrew Cheney): The double-crossed British East India Company assassin seeking redemption by thwarting his former employer in the American Colonies.
- Charles Kemp (John Rhys-Davies): William Reynolds’ former employer and the primary antagonist, who hunts William and plots against the American colonies.
- Charlotte Holloway (Kara Killmer): A woman William Reynolds falls in love with while in hiding, whose trust he must earn and whose uncle is his enemy.
- Ben Franklin (Alan Madlane): A colonial intellectual and printer whom William seeks help from while hiding in Philadelphia.
- Jeremiah Flack (Charlie Newhart): A man whose identity William Reynolds assumes after Flack dies saving him.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- William Reynolds: “I will make a new reputation to save me from my past.” – Stated by Will to himself as he attempts to escape his life as an assassin and build a new identity.
- Dying Man: “Redemption – not revenge… There’s only One Name with the power to make you new.” – A man who sacrifices himself to save Will imparts this spiritual message about true transformation.
- Charles Kemp: “You know too much, Reynolds.” – Said by Kemp to William when double-crossing him, explaining why he must eliminate his former operative.
- Charlotte Holloway: “Everything you told me… was a lie?” – Charlotte confronts Will after Charles Kemp reveals his true identity and past life as an assassin.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $4 million
- Domestic Gross: $1,236,094
- Worldwide Gross: $1,236,094
💥 Beyond the Mask Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into ‘Beyond the Mask’ not really knowing what to expect, and honestly, I was charmed! It’s got that old-school adventure feel, like a mix of Zorro and National Treasure, which is just fun. The action scenes were surprisingly cool, especially the rooftop chase. I mean, an 18th-century assassin doing flips? Yes, please! And the romance with Charlotte, while maybe a little predictable, was sweet and thankfully not cheesy. I really liked how they handled Ben Franklin too; he added some much-needed humor and felt pretty accurate to his quirky historical persona. Sure, some parts of the plot made me raise an eyebrow, and maybe the CGI wasn’t always top-notch, but it had heart. It’s the kind of movie you can just sit back and enjoy without overthinking. Definitely recommend it if you like historical fiction with a dash of superhero flair and a good message!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of historical action-adventure and swashbuckler films”
- “Viewers interested in Christian-themed movies”
- “Families looking for PG-rated action films”
- “Those who enjoy films with themes of redemption and forgiveness”
- “Fans of movies like ‘National Treasure’ or ‘The Mask of Zorro'”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Action and violence (non-gory)”
- “Thematic elements (crime, sin, redemption)”
Professional Reviews
- IMDb User Review: “This ambitious independent film has stunning visuals and costuming for its budget, bringing 18th-century America to life. While the acting can be uneven and the plot occasionally illogical, the movie is edited well, especially during action sequences. It’s a swashbuckling adventure that aims high, even if it doesn’t always stick the landing.
- IMDb User Review: “While visually appealing with decent production values and set designs, ‘Beyond the Mask’ suffers from a weak script and wooden performances from its lead actors. The attempts at humor often fall flat, and key plot points defy logic. Despite a strong turn from John Rhys-Davies, the story feels amateurish and struggles to balance its action, romance, and faith-based themes effectively.
- IMDb User Review: “‘Beyond the Mask’ is a surprisingly fun historical adventure, blending action, romance, and a message of redemption. It feels like a classic swashbuckler updated for a family audience. While some effects or minor plot points aren’t perfect, the energy and heartfelt story make it an engaging watch. It’s a refreshing change of pace from typical Hollywood fare.
Audience Reactions
Many viewers loved the mix of historical setting, action, and romance.: The film was frequently praised for being a family-friendly adventure with a positive message, strong visuals for an independent film, and a memorable portrayal of Benjamin Franklin.
Overall Consensus: A polarizing but generally well-received independent historical action-adventure film, appreciated by its target audience for its family-friendly nature, positive message, and ambitious scope, though criticized by others for script issues and uneven acting/effects.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Actors Andrew Cheney (William Reynolds) and Kara Killmer (Charlotte Holloway) met on set and married in real life on May 14, 2016, the year after the movie was released.”
- “Despite being set in the late 1770s, a visible goofthe movie shows a pocket watch with a quartz movement second hand, a technology that would not be invented for another 200 years.”
🖥️ How to Watch Beyond the Mask?
As of late 2023/early 2024, ‘Beyond the Mask’ is available for streaming on platforms like Pure Flix, Tubi, and Peacock. You can also rent or purchase the film digitally from services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray may also be available from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Beyond the Mask, you might like these similar films:
- The Mask of Zorro (1998): Features a swashbuckling masked hero fighting for justice and redemption in a historical setting, blending action, romance, and themes of identity.
- The Patriot (2000): An epic historical action-drama set during the American Revolutionary War, focusing on themes of freedom, sacrifice, and fighting against British tyranny.
- Assassin’s Creed (2016): A modern action film featuring a protagonist connected to a lineage of historical assassins, dealing with secret organizations and high-stakes historical intrigue, similar in its core premise of a skilled operative confronting their past.
- The Count of Monte Cristo (2002): Shares the thematic core of a wronged man seeking justice and redemption after being betrayed, involving escape, adventure, and a quest to reclaim honor.
- National Treasure (2004): A family-friendly historical adventure film involving puzzles, chases, and American history, often cited by fans as having a similar tone and appeal.
🛒 Beyond the Mask Related Products
- Beyond the Mask Blu-ray + DVD: Own the movie in stunning high definition and standard definition. Includes special features like behind-the-scenes footage and deleted scenes, offering insight into the making of this independent historical epic.
- Original Motion Picture Soundtrack – Beyond the Mask: Immerse yourself in the film’s score, composed by Kevin Kliesch. Features epic, period-inspired themes that underscore the action and romance of the story.
- Historical Revolutionary War Era Clothing & Accessories: High-quality replicas of 18th-century attire or accessories, similar to the costumes seen in the movie. Could include tricorn hats, vests, or replica flintlocks (non-firing).
- American Revolutionary War Strategy Game: A historically themed strategy or adventure video game set during the American Revolution. Allows players to experience the era’s conflicts and key figures.
🎧 Soundtrack
Beyond the Mask features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Overture” – performed by Kevin Kliesch
- “Beyond the Mask Main Title” – performed by Kevin Kliesch
- “The Highwayman” – performed by Kevin Kliesch
- “Atonement” – performed by Kevin Kliesch
- “Philadelphia” – performed by Kevin Kliesch
- “Declaration” – performed by Kevin Kliesch
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, ‘Beyond the Mask’ is produced by Christian filmmakers (Burns Family Studios) and incorporates themes of faith, sin, redemption, and forgiveness throughout the storyline. While framed as a historical action-adventure, it contains an underlying Christian message that is central to the protagonist’s journey.
The film uses the backdrop of the American Revolution and features historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, but the central plot and characters like William Reynolds (as depicted) and Charles Kemp are fictionalized. Many critics note significant historical and scientific inaccuracies, framing it more as historical fantasy or steampunk adventure rather than a strictly accurate historical drama.
Yes, a significant part of the plot involves the developing romance between the protagonist, William Reynolds (under his assumed identity), and Charlotte Holloway. Their relationship is tested when his true past is revealed, and regaining her trust becomes a key emotional arc.
‘Beyond the Mask’ is rated PG for action, violence, and some thematic elements. While it contains action and non-gory violence, it is generally considered suitable for families, particularly older children and teenagers, due to its lack of strong language or explicit content and its positive themes.
Yes, actors Andrew Cheney (William Reynolds) and Kara Killmer (Charlotte Holloway) met while filming ‘Beyond the Mask’ and later married in real life on May 14, 2016.
🔥 Bonus Content
For 6 Years, He’s Forced To Wear A 40Kg Iron Mask, Until He’s Unleashed
Ever wondered about the guy stuck wearing that awful iron mask for years? This video dives into his incredible story set in 17th-century France, and honestly, the whole ‘unleashed’ part sounds pretty intense and makes you want to know more!
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