BRAVE THE DARK – A Review by John Strange
It took me some time after receiving the link to watch this film. Not because I didn’t think I would like it, but because I was afraid it would be too sad. I should have known better.
Brave the Dark is set in 1986, in a small town in Pennsylvania. Stan Deen (Jarod Harris) is that high school teacher that likes everyone and everyone likes him. Nate is one of his students.
Many of Stan’s students turn to Mr. Deen for help with their problems. But not Nate. Stan can tell there is something wrong, something troubling the youth but has no idea what is wrong, or how he can help him.
When one of Nate’s friends talks him into committing a crime (burglary) using Nate’s car, Nate is arrested in the middle of a classroom full of students and marched out in handcuffs.
Stan steps in to help his student survive this disaster, even allowing Nate to live with him. Nate’s embarrassment at needing help gets in his way as much as his need to control some part of his life.
In many ways, I was right that this is a very sad story, but the story takes an upturn from an unexpected quarter that made me very happy to see!
Jared Harris and Nicholas Hamilton as Stan and Nate, respectively, handle their difficult parts with panache. The supporting characters are simply excellent in their roles. This is a deep dark story with depths that both bothered and intrigued me. Oddly, I found this film to be a very good watch!
Director: Damian Harris
Cast: Jared Harris, Martin Jarvis, Sasha Bhasin, Nicholas Hamilton, Will Price, Jamie Harris, Tobias Segal, Johnath Davis, Banks Quinney, Scottie DiGiacomo, Elise Hudson, Meredith Sullivan, Niva Patel, Gwyneth Anne Trumbore, Shannon Destiny Ryan, Kimberly S. Fairbanks, Searra Sawka, Ava Wrubel
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for domestic violence/bloody images, suicide, some strong language, teen drinking, drug material, and smoking)
Selig Rating: 4.5 Stars
Runtime: 112 Min.
Release Date: 01/24/2025
Language: English
Movie Site: BRAVE THE DARK Official Site
Trailer: BRAVE THE DARK Official Trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
