The Brave One

Undoubtedly a far more impressive and accomplished piece of work than the similarly-themed Death Sentence, The Brave One casts Jodie Foster as Erica – a New York City radio host whose fiancé (Naveen Andrews’ David) is brutally murdered by a gang of punks. Erica subsequently buys a gun for protection, but soon finds herself using the firearm to cleanse the streets of violent criminals. Director Neil Jordan has infused The Brave One with an exceedingly slow-moving vibe that’s initially somewhat off-putting, though it does become clear, as the movie progresses, that the deliberate manner in which the story unfolds is instrumental in ensuring the downright compelling nature of the film’s second half. Foster delivers an expectedly electrifying performance, and though her character’s association with Terrence Howard’s compassionate cop initially seems to be based entirely on coincidence, there does reach a point at which their complex and involving friendship essentially becomes the backbone of the entire film. The surprising conclusion is sure to polarize audiences and it’s ultimately clear that The Brave One will fare best among viewers able to seriously suspend their disbelief, as the movie is, for those who embrace its admittedly over-the-top flow, one of the most compelling and flat-out exciting revenge thrillers to come along in quite some time.

***1/2 out of ****