Most likely, Deen eventually reaches Williams, because you rarely see films made about people who attempt good deeds, but failed. Deen was already popular with students, because he did the easy stuff, like college recommendations, so well. More perceptive than other teachers, Deen slips Wiliams a candy bar during one of the early scenes, because he can tell the teen is hungry. Abandoned by his fosters and grandparents, Williams has been living in his car for months. He only joined the track team, so he could shower in the mornings.
When Williams gets busted for an ill-conceived burglary, only Deen comes to check on him. The teacher shocks his colleagues and confuses Williams by personally taking responsibility for him and inviting him into his home. Inevitably, returning to school as jailbird entails further frustrations and cutting rebukes. Plus, it is hard for the teen to believe Deen just wants to help, rather than working an angle.
Mostly likely many critics will have no problem feeling much cooler than Brave the Dark. Some might dismiss it as TV-movie fare and stereotype it as another “faith-based” release from Angel Studios. Yet, it should be noted the film never mentions God, Jesus, or any religious figure. Instead, it is about accepting personal responsibility and offering compassion on a person-to-person basis. Constantly, Deen is asked why get involved? Why not let the system take care of Williams. Of course, “the system” has already done quite a job on the unfortunate teen.
As a director, Harris also has the benefit of his brothers, Jared and Jamie, who are terrific as Deen, and Williams’ parole officer, Barney, respectively. They both look like they belong in Lancaster, PA, even though all three are sons of the legendary Richard Harris. As Deen, Jared Harris is achingly earnest, yet so understated, some shallow critics will not notice how good he is. The other on-camera Harris is tough and smart, but also fair. He’s not the PO you want, he’s the PO you need. Both demonstrate that decency is not boring to watch on screen—quite the contrary.
Like its subject, Brave the Dark is a film that deserves a chance. It is not just well-meaning. Arguably, the Harrises and company make a strong case Deen deserves a place alongside other inspiring based-on-real-life teachers, like Jaime Escalante (Stand and Deliver) and E.R. Braithwaite (known as Mark Thackeray in To Sir, With Love). Recommended for its lead performances and lack of cynicism, Brave the Dark opens tomorrow (1/24) in cinemas, including the AMC Lincoln Square.
