It’s a family affair in “Brave the Dark”, an inspirational new drama featuring the impressive talents of three British brothers – the sons of screen legend Richard Harris. The movie is directed and co-written by Damian Harris. It stars Jared Harris who’s well known from film, television, and theater. And it co-stars Jamie Harris who has worked with the likes of Terrence Malick, Christopher Nolan, and Steven Spielberg.

“Brave the Dark” originally screened in 2023 at the Heartland International Film Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. But it’s just now making its way to theaters courtesy of Angel Studios. The film’s true story is based on the real-life relationship between a troubled student and a teacher who refused to let him slip through the cracks. Along the way Harris delves into weighty themes such as childhood trauma, mentorship, and second chances among others.

Set in 1986, Nicholas Hamilton plays Nate Williams, a senior at Garden Spot High School in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Nate is a bright student who runs track, has an affection for photography, and is crazy about his girlfriend Tina (Sasha Bhasin). But Nate also has several secrets. Most of them stem from his traumatic childhood which the film slowly unwraps as it moves forward. He keeps hidden that he spent eight years in an orphanage and that he’s been living out of his car for two years.

But his already fragile life takes another hit after his ill-advised decision to rob an appliance shop. He is arrested while on campus which gets the attention of the school’s beloved English and drama teacher, Mr. Stan Deen (Jared Harris). While most of the faculty are quick to write off Nate, the goodhearted Mr. Deen is determined to help. The well-respected teacher uses his many connections around town to get Nate out of prison and back in school.

It all sounds like a fairly conventional setup. But Nate’s story has its fair share of obstacles including his damaged relationship with his estranged grandparents and his inability to trust anyone including Mr. Deen who goes as far as letting Nate move in with him while he finishes high school. But his biggest hurdle is dealing with the pent-up trauma that has haunted him since he was a child. And it may take the help of his fellow lost soul Mr. Deen to finally move forward.

There are several personal touches that help ground the movie in real life including Nathaniel Williams Deen himself serving as a co-writer. Adding to it, Harris chose to shoot at several true-to-life locations such as the actual Garden Spot High School in Lancaster County as well as Stan Deen’s house where he and Nate lived together. They may be insignificant on the surface, but they’re choices that testify to the movie’s sincerity and heart.

“Brave the Dark” doesn’t break the inspirational movie mold. More specifically, it sticks pretty close to the by-the-book storytelling we usually get with these kinds of movies. And while it may hit a few dramatic speed bumps, this poignant and powerful drama remains authentic, driven by a heartfelt true account that’s honest but never heavy-handed and patient enough to let the relationships grow organically. Even when exploring the darker elements of the story, nothing ever feels overstated or sensationalized. It’s that kind of control, both from Harris and his cast, that makes “Brave the Dark” resonate.

VERDICT – 3.5 STARS