Brave the Dark
January 22nd, 2025
MOVIE: BRAVE THE DARK
STARRING: JARED HARRIS, NICHOLAS HAMILTON, SASHA BHASIN
DIRECTED BY: DAMIAN HARRIS
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 2 STARS (Out of 3)
RATED: PG-13
RUN TIME: 112 MINUTES
There are many reasons to complain about Brave the Dark, starting with its title. It sounds more like the name of a religious tale or a horror film about a dangerous trip into a dark cave than a drama about redemption and second chances. But as it turns out, that’s the heart of the story: a high school student in need of belief from his teacher to turn his life around. That part works well enough, especially with Jared Harris carrying the emotional weight of the film. However, Brave the Dark often undermines its uplifting message with a predictable and overly sentimental approach.
Set in the quaint town of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1980, the film introduces Stan Deen (Harris), a beloved high school teacher facing the everyday challenges and rewards of his job. But for one troubled student, Nate Williams (Nicholas Hamilton), Mr. Deen represents a rare shot at redemption. Nate is a talented track runner and photographer, but his life is anything but easy. An orphan, he lives in his car, showers at school, and struggles with the trauma of homelessness. After a brush with the law for stealing electronics, Nate finds an unlikely mentor in Mr. Deen, who offers him a second chance—a chance to find a family and stability that he’s never known.
After legal discussions with Nate’s grandparents, Mr. Deen gains full custody of the troubled teen, and the film follows Nate’s journey toward confronting his dark past in hopes of a brighter future. Directed and co-written by Damian Harris (yes, the brother of lead actor Jared Harris), Brave the Dark is both an inspiring story and, at times, a bit cloying. The performances from both leads are strong, though they often feel trapped in a repetitive cycle. Hamilton skillfully portrays a teen torn between his painful history and his growth potential, while Harris brings a charm to his role as the kind-hearted, almost-too-perfect teacher—a character who could easily be mistaken for a real-life Ned Flanders.
The screenplay, written by Lynn Robertson Hay, shines when it tackles heavier themes like teen suicide or the impact of a child’s background on their academic success. Yet, the film remains overly cautious, only brushing the surface of these complex issues. While it does attempt to portray the real struggles many kids face, it ultimately offers simplistic resolutions, like the overused “This too shall pass” mantra. Brave the Dark wants to inspire, but it struggles to show the deeper, messier work involved in overcoming trauma, such as therapy or the long-term process of healing. Instead, it often veers into a schmaltzy, feel-good narrative that feels too easy given the serious subject matter.
At the heart of the film, Harris delivers yet another strong performance, but it’s clear that Brave the Dark falls short of being the lesson it sets out to teach. One is reminded of films such as Mr. Holland’s Opus or Stand and Deliver with only half the authenticity. While it has its moments of sincerity, it lacks the complexity and honesty needed to make its inspirational message truly resonate.
2 STARS
BRAVE THE DARK IS PLAYING IN THEATERS FRIDAY JANUARY 24TH, 2024.
Leo Brady
