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Movie Review: ‘Brave the Dark’ – The Power of Resilience and Compassion.

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Angel Studios has a knack for being involved with and bringing to life some of the most endearing stories of ordinary people who, in one way or another, have profoundly impacted others. Even though most of their films are faith-based stories they often resonate because of how these stories can highlight very positive and inspiring humans and their traits.

‘Brave the Darkis one of such stories. This drama directed by Damian Harris tackles a story of resilience, trust, hope, sacrifice and redemption. It dives deep into the lives of two individuals, a teacher and his troubled student whose fates intertwine and reflect the lengths one will go to save a life.

At the centre of the story is Nathan Williams (played by Nicholas Hamilton), a high school student burdened by a dark past that has left him broken and vulnerable. He is haunted by the loss of his parents and the childhood trauma that has driven him to a life of self-destruction. Living out of his car and spiralling further into despair, he gets into trouble with the law after a shop robbery lands him in jail. Just when it seems like all hope is lost, his drama teacher, Stan Deen (played by Jared Harris), steps in to bail him out.

Stan Deen is introduced as a likeable and warm personality. He is reserved but kind, someone who quietly earns the respect and admiration of those around him. Unlike others who have written Nathan off, Stan immediately recognizes the boy’s pain and makes it his mission to help him. Jared Harris brings an incredible naturalness to the role. His portrayal of Deen is subtle yet deeply emotional, perfectly capturing a man who is patient and determined but also human enough to feel the frustration of dealing with a troubled teenager’s ingratitude. Even when pushed to his limits, the performance remains utterly convincing, making Deen a character the audience can root for from start to finish.

Equally compelling is Nicholas Hamilton‘s portrayal of Nathan. Hamilton fully embraces the complexity of a teenager tormented by his past, and his self-destructive tendencies which serve as a mask for his vulnerabilities that are gradually revealed as the narrative progresses. Nathan is not an easy character to sympathize with but there are some positive qualities of his that shine through the rebelliousness. Hamilton’s ability to convey this duality ensures that Nathan’s struggles feel both believable and endearing.

Damian Harris‘s approach to the film makes its small town setting of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania feel like a world of its own. The sights and sounds of the locations place the film well into the year 1986 the story is set in.  And several of the shots seem to also capture a sense of isolation and timelessness that mirrors Nathan’s inner turmoil.

The attention to detail in the costuming and art direction also anchors the story in its era. This is also accompanied by period-appropriate props that contribute to the authenticity of the narrative.

The film’s pacing is steady, with its 110-minute runtime feeling just right for the story being told. Harris takes his time unravelling Nathan’s dark past, using flashbacks to reveal the source of his pain and showing how his unresolved trauma continues to shape his present. These moments are raw and harrowing, offering glimpses into the trauma, the loss and the lies that have left Nathan scarred.

This also contributes to the film’s steadily increasing emotional stakes. For a greater part of the film, you feel a weight of anticipation fearing that Nathan might make a choice that he might never be able to work away from. This feeling intensifies as the film progresses.

However, I believe the narrative could have delved deeper into Stan’s sacrifices and what his efforts cost him emotionally. We never get to fully appreciate his perspective of things. Additionally, some moments feel predictable, and the film occasionally leans into familiar tropes of the teacher-student redemption arc. However, these minor shortcomings do little to diminish the emotional impact of the story.

At its core,Brave the Darkis about the power of resilience and the importance of having someone who refuses to give up on you, no matter how bleak things may seem. The relationship between Stan and Nathan forms the emotional backbone of the film and its intended message.

What makes the film even more powerful is its ending, where we get to see the real Nathan and Stan Deen on whom this story is based. Their presence underscores the gravity of what we’ve just witnessed and reminds us that stories like this one are not just fictional. They are situations that can happen in real life, often in ways we’ll never fully understand or appreciate.

I will scoreBrave the Dark 7/10. It serves as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make. It is a moving film that highlights the importance of compassion, perseverance, and the quiet heroism of those who step in when no one else will. One person’s belief in another can be enough to change the trajectory of a life and we all can be that one person.

Second on my list of addictions is Movies.. the only thing I could possibly love more is my Dearest Waakye lol. Nothing else does a better job of reminding me that ANYTHING is possible with the right amount of effort. I have great eye for details and flaws in scripts. Shallow scripts bore me. I am an avid reader. Your everyday Mr Nice guy. Always the last to speak in a room full of smart people. Half Human, half Martian but full MOVIE FREAK.

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