Brave the Dark
Brave the Dark
Stars: Jared Harris, Nicholas Hamilton, Jamie Harris, Sasha Bhasin, Will Edward Price and Kimberly S. Fairbanks
Director: Damian Harris
Scriptwriters: Dale G. Bradley, Lynn Robertson-Hay, Nathaniel Dean and Damian Harris
Composer: Jacob Yoffee and Roahn HyltonCinematography: Julio Macat
Inspiring Films/Angel Studios
Rating: PG 13
Running Length: 122 Minutes
Jared Harris, the brother of director of director/scriptwriter Damian Harris, plays the lead, Stan Deen. Together, they have quite a film here, a true story set in Pennsylvania and concerning a teacher (Deen) who is mourning the passing of his mother, and a young student named Nate (Nicholas Hamilton) who is in trouble with the law and has no relative to turn to. The background scenery is a fine setting for this movie, and it has a calming effect as the audience begins to see what troubles both men, teacher and student, and how they cope. Emotional loss is a personal loss, and for each person here, a platform on which to grow emotionally and with purpose.
“Brave the Dark” begins with watching a male student try to blend in with his classmates, while carrying a heavy emotional burden. This leads to temper conflict and soon the young man (Nate) is with the police. What to do with him? His teacher, Stan Deen (Jared Harris) comes to the rescue and says the boy can stay with him. From here on, there are conflicts and then resolutions. Conflicts and resolutions that become stronger until the truth comes out from the boy about a graphic childhood tragedy and he sees there are people here he really can trust. These sections, as acted by Nicholas Hamilton, are realistic. Jared Harris, however, has a rather slow Midwest accent.
Opposites do attract, and in the film, the volatile Nate eventually sees the friendliness and kindness of Stan. We also see the potential talent in the boy, he likes to dance and is great at photography. As talents begin to blossom, so does the friendship between the two, and also, with the community.
What one can learn from this film is that even though someone is in denial or emotionally drained, they can be helped with compassion and taking life one step at a time. What the boy went through as a child is heartbreaking and healing becomes the word of the day in instead of ignoring the issue. The music by Jacob Yoffee and Roahn Hylton blends the scenes together well, as the cinematography by Julio Macat. The scenes on the bridge are especially effective and how this blends into the story.
What I liked is the significance of a chocolate candy bar. The smallest item can mean something positive to someone. Then, there is the home for children without parents, and this particular one is friendly. Also, the two scenes about Christmas from someone’s “first” Christmas to present-day.
All in all, this is a true story brought to life on the screen and showing how grief can be opened up, let out, explored and put in a special place. Life can, and does, go on and maturity can turn into a peaceful life.
Three Tocks
Copyright 2025 Marie Asner
