Today’s quick review: The Brave One. New York radio host Erica Bain’s (Jodie Foster) life changes forever when muggers beat her and kill her fiance David (Naveen Andrews). Hoping to regain a sense of control, Erica buys a gun and uses it to strike back at the criminals she sees on the streets. But her vigilante activities soon draw the attention of the police, including Detective Mercer (Terrence Howard), an honest cop and Erica’s newfound friend.
The Brave One is a crime drama that takes a sober look at criminal violence and vigilantism. Jodie Foster stars as Erica Bain, a woman who has to pick up the pieces of her former life when her fiance is murdered in front of her. Haunted by the incident, Erica finds herself becoming a different person, one capable of dealing out violence in return. A solid dramatic lead and thoughtful writing make The Brave One a heavy but effective watch.
The Brave One focuses as much on Erica’s mental state as it does on her actions. Her trauma is shown clearly through both her changes in behavior and the introspective narration she records for her radio show. Her vigilantism is treated as an unnerving personality change that she has no choice but to embrace. The counterpoint to her struggles is her budding friendship with Mercer, whose perspective on vigilante justice nicely balances Erica’s.
The Brave One deals with grief and violence, but it stops well short of full-blown action flick or revenge fantasy. Its sober, realistic treatment of its subject matter, coupled with solid acting and writing, make it a fine pick for those interested in the grounded side of the crime genre. However, its heavy tone and one-note story mean that viewers looking for spectacle, catharsis, or an elaborate plot should look elsewhere.
For a movie with a similar premise and more action, try Death Wish. For a budget action movie that deals with similar themes, try Rage or Acts of Vengeance. For an attempt at a realistic take on trauma and recovery, but with worse execution, try Vengeance.
6.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for capable, focused execution of a weighty premise.