Though he realized that the film was meant to draw parallels to the September 11 attacks, Chang remarked that the film does not "convey any insights into the psychology of extremism, aside from some choice moments in Voight's persuasively complex performance" and that it was "ultimately less interested in understanding its Mormon characters than in demonizing them"; the only praise he offered for the film went to the photography and location scouting done for the film.
Chang recognized the film's intention to draw parallels with the September 11 attacks, but argued that it lacked insights into extremism beyond Voight's performance. He also criticized the film for its focus on demonizing Mormon characters rather than understanding them. The only positive aspect he acknowledged was the film's photography and location scouting.