‘Brave the Dark’ Review: Angel Studios Delivers a Solidly Crafted but Predictable Inspirational Teacher Drama

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Brave the Dark,” drawn from the real-life experiences of co-writer and co-executive producer Nathaniel Deen, offers a subtle yet impactful message. At the end, he endorses the portrayal and encourages viewers to deeply consider its lessons. The film doesn’t force emotions or oversimplify complexities; instead, it delicately evokes empathy and sympathy in its audience.

The movie may not surprise you much, but it’s filled with genuine, heartfelt wisdom. However, it might contain some slightly mature content, making it borderline for all-ages family viewing. Still, it should be acceptable to parents seeking entertainment they can enjoy with older kids, say those in their mid-teens and up. Moreover, it may well appeal to children who are eager to experience something a bit more profound than typical children’s entertainment.

In the year 1986, the setting is Lancaster County, Penn., and the narrative revolves around Nathan, a high school senior struggling with his life, and Stan, a kind-hearted drama teacher who’s committed to guiding Nathan, a student at risk, towards better prospects.

Following an unfortunate event that left him parentless at a young age, Nathan experienced a tough upbringing under his cold and harsh grandparents who were unable or unwilling to provide him with the emotional sustenance he yearned for. Consequently, he cycled through various foster families. Currently, Nathan finds himself homeless, living in his car, sporadically attending classes, and frequently associating with questionable companions. The nature of his acquaintances was further confirmed when they persuaded him to participate in a burglary at a home appliances store. When the police arrived, only Nathan was apprehended, leaving his friends free to evade responsibility for their actions.

As a film enthusiast, I find myself in the shoes of a character named Nathan, whose world crumbles when my girlfriend leaves me, pressured by her overprotective father, and many at Garden Spot High School see me as a troublemaker on the brink of becoming an irredeemable case. The only person who seems to stand by me is Stan, our affable drama teacher, who takes it upon himself to guide my transformation – though I initially resist and harbor doubts about anyone attempting to pull me out of this abyss.

Many of Nathan’s classmates, some of Stan’s colleagues among the faculty, and perhaps even viewers, have begun to question Stan’s true intentions due to their past experiences instilling a certain level of suspicion (some might say cynicism is their defense mechanism). Although no character directly accuses Stan of being a groomer in the movie, it’s evident that some are at least momentarily considering this possibility. Furthermore, the film frequently highlights Stan’s affinity for musical comedies, as seen by the “Babes on Broadway” poster in his home, and his past aspirations to be an actor, which could potentially add fuel to such speculations.

Slowly, director Harris and his writing team subtly reveal that Stan’s hidden agenda might stem from the longing to alleviate the loneliness he’s experienced since his mother’s passing over a year ago. Additionally, it becomes clear that he also needs help constructing a set for the school’s upcoming play, “Flowers for Algernon.

It takes some time for Nathan and Stan to establish a bond based on mutual trust, and even longer before Nathan feels at ease to reveal in depth his traumatic experience of witnessing his parents’ deaths. However, this slow pace is beneficial to the movie, as it gives Harris and Hamilton ample opportunity to showcase the intricate layers of their characters and create a captivating chemistry that is alternately funny, argumentative, and authentic. The two actors truly complement each other, making it effortless for viewers to invest emotionally in both characters.

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2025-01-24 09:50