The 2018 action-thriller film ”Braven” was directed by Lin Oeding and is set in Newfoundland, Canada. The film centers Joe Braven, whose character is played by Jason Momoa. ”Braven” touches on aspects such as family loyalty, survival and the sacrifices that need to be made in order to protect loved ones.
Plot Summary
Joe Braven owns a logging company and has a wife, Stephanie, a daughter Charlotte and his father Linden who is suffering from dementia. Considering the father’s rapid deterioration, Joe oversees his father which results in Joe taking Linden to the cabin in the mountains that the family owns. The main reason why Joe takes Landen there is to discuss his care plans in a more suitable environment.
Unknowingly to Joe, one of his employees, Weston is a drug trafficker. After conducting a transport that didn’t succeed, Weston and his partner Hallett stored a supply of heroin in Joes cabin for future use. To retrieve the heroin, Joe and Linden must first uncover the drugs, which is where they begin their journey in the film. Attempting to report the finding fails due to Kassen, a merciless drug trafficker who is out to collect what belongs to him.
What follows is a gripping contest of intelligence and survival. Joe meets Kassen and his goons head-on with the tactical knowledge of the terrain in hand and a will to protect his family. The events worsen when Stephanie and Charlotte come to the cabin seemingly out of the blue which puts them very much at risk. The family’s togetherness and strength are challenged as they try to outsmart the armed men while demonstrating resourcefulness and bravery.
Character Analysis
Jason Momoa captures the role of Joe Braven convincingly. His is a man whose calm footprint suggests it is encased in the lion’s skin, capturing the spirit of a father and husband who would go to extreme length to protect his family. Stephen Lang’s portrayal of Linden is informative of the vulnerabilities of aging associated with frailty and moments of bravery and lucidity. Jill Wagner as Stephanie shows a mother. Presumably over-excited and mate-guarding towards those seeking to endanger her family, she is enraged, displaying her maternal protective instincts.
Cinematic Elements
The film brilliantly employs the wintry landscape by using wide shots that emphasize isolation and close-ups that focus on the characters’ emotional strife. The action choreography is intense and realistic by using grounded confrontations rather than outrageous maneuvers to build suspense. Oeding’s background as a stunt coordinator enables him to notice the attention to detail in Lin’s work.
Themes and Symbolism
Braven highlights the family’s protective instincts by exploring the ethical issues surrounding violence and self-defense. The characters are cut off from the rest of the world because they are violently aggressive and compassionately civilized, making the cabin a miniaturized world. Domestic peace and the family’s security are constantly threatened by drug traffickers, signifying external dangers.
Critical Reception
“Braven” was met with mixed to positive reviews. While some critics lauded the film’s pacing, action sequences, and plot, others were less enthusiastic. The film received multiple reviews on Rotten Tomatoes which resulted in it holding an approval rating. Metacritic reports a score of 61 out of 100, implying “generally favorable reviews” from the critics. Even though audiences praised the film’s brisk pacing along with Momoa’s performance, some critics felt that character development and plot intricacy was lacking.
Conclusion
While “Braven” has a mixture of high emotion and high action that will appeal to many, it also demonstrates a distinct lack of complexity. The film may grasp the action thriller genre’s beloved components, but attempts to set itself apart with commendable performances from Momoa, Lang, and the sense of urgency that keeps the audience engaged throughout the entire film. “Braven” is a must-watch for those hunting for a gripping portrayal of a family’s self-destructive protective instincts, promising an enthralling experience.
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