Inspiring teacher stories never get old.
They can still be stuffy, predictable, or downright manipulative. The fact-based “Brave the Dark” avoids these pitfalls, mostly thanks to its leading men.
Character actor Jared Harris hits all the right notes as the teacher in question. Young Nicholas Hamilton does the same thing as the tormented teenager, balancing inner rage with potential looming just out of reach.
Young Nate Williams (Hamilton) is your typical 1980s player. He’s got the pretty girl on his arm, a lot of unearned attitudes and a wobbly moral compass.
It makes it difficult for anyone, including the audience, to root for him. One of his school teachers, a desperate square soul named Mr. D (Harris), sees beyond Nate’s surface.
That’s what Stan Dean does, and that’s why he’s an institution in his Pennsylvania community. A nice joke that makes him known wherever he goes.
Ah, small town life!
Nate’s personal life, in part, explains the trainwreck. His mother died when he was a child, and his grandparents offered little warmth or love. Heck, they couldn’t wait to sever ties with him.
It will take everything in Stan’s heart to change this boy’s life, assuming he can do it at all.
Hamilton, portrayed by a young Kevin Bacon, delivers in unexpected ways. He’s never a monster, but every time an opportunity presents itself, he can’t wait to squash it away. The actor makes every aspect of Nate’s character believable.
But Stan isn’t ready to give up on him. He’s stubborn in his own way.
“Brave the Dark” doesn’t reveal the power of redemption or the challenges faced along the way. It’s a powerful story that speaks to our better angels. This is more than enough.
Stan seems too good to be true, but Harris is causing him grief beneath the surface. Stan cared for his sick mother for years, and the effort took its toll. He is self-aware enough to accept his students’ love while realizing that they think he is hopelessly equal.
And it is.
Harris’ performance is a thing of quiet beauty and full of nice asides that enhance the script. Stan quickly learns how to care for a deeply troubled teenager, a journey that gives the film its dramatic heft.
Fast fact: The real Nate Dean, who co-wrote the screenplay, says Harris was dressed Some real Stan Dean ties and glasses In the movie.
Harris gives a consistent performance on screen, but he had extra motivation for “Brave the Dark.” The film’s director and co-writer is Damien Harris, the veteran actor’s younger brother. Another brother, Jimmy Harris, also appears as Nate’s probation officer.
Nate’s arc isn’t neat and tidy, and we don’t get speeches about life lessons or greater purpose. Angel Studios’ production is light on the spiritual world.
This scenario offers glimpses into Nate’s horrific past, waiting until the right moment for full revelation. This may seem like manipulation on the surface, but it comes across powerfully on screen. We’d still love to see more of Stan’s past, and his relationship with his fellow teacher seems poorly nourished.
Nate asks Stan about his endless support. It’s a question that lingers throughout the film, and at times seems worthy of richer exploration.
This may be our sarcastic inner monologue. Sometimes good people are just… good. The real-life story of Stan and Nate provides one example of this, and the film depicting their relationship proves it’s worth it.
Hit or miss: “Brave the Dark” is a suspenseful look at a young man on the brink of disaster.
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