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 believed the film attempted to draw parallels with the September 11 attacks, but failed to provide any meaningful insights into the psychology of extremism. He also criticized the film for its portrayal of Mormon characters as demonized rather than understood. The only positive aspect he appreciated was the film's visual aspects and location scouting.