The Brave One stars Jodie Foster, as an ordinary citizen turned vigilante. She portrays a woman left for dead after being viciously attacked in New York’s Central Park.
It is the story of a mild mannered host of a public radio show. Prior to her attack, Foster brings an almost whimsical portrayal of a carefree woman in love. It is only when her world is shattered that we see her doing what she does best: bringing the depth and raw pain of her character’s violent ordeal. Her character is propelled into action as a vigilante by disillusionment and rage.
The film asks questions about justice in a system that is understaffed and overworked. How legitimate is it to take matters into one’s hands to send the message that we are not going to take it anymore?
Foster’s portrayal of a broken woman driven to right terrible wrongs is easy to appreciate. We can all relate to people’s collective frustration for a judicial system that adheres to standards, rules and procedures.
A solid supporting cast complemented Foster. Terrence Howard gave a convincing performance as a soft spoken detective assigned to work the cases of the vigilante. An unlikely alliance between the two develops. Both want justice. Howard works within the system, and Foster works a system bound only by her rules. Nicky Katt plays Howard’s wisecracking younger assistant with great aplomb. Mary Steenburgen and Jane Adams offered stable performances as Foster’s friend
As compelling as this movie was, it somehow felt manipulating. In our own lives, if under similar circumstances, would we do the same? Would we risk our freedom to become like the violent creatures that harmed us in the first place? Is that kind of action truly what makes a person The Brave One?
