Brave New America
Brave New America

Movie spotlight

Brave New America

2016
Movie
10 min
English

In this dystopian vision of the America of 2018 where the Internet is co-opted, the media and education is compromised, a frazzled student sends the wrong message.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes58%
Metacritic60/100
Google Users75%
Director: Paul SchraderGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A disillusioned former soldier, haunted by his past actions, seeks redemption by becoming involved with a mysterious woman and a series of increasingly dangerous situations. As he navigates a treacherous path, he confronts his inner demons and the moral complexities of his choices. The film explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

Critical Reception

Paul Schrader's 'Brave New America' received a mixed to positive reception, with critics often praising Ethan Hawke's performance and the film's brooding atmosphere. However, some found the narrative to be overly familiar or lacking in originality. Audience responses were similarly divided, appreciating the film's darker themes but sometimes critiquing its pacing and thematic depth.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its strong lead performance and atmospheric tension.

  • Criticized by some for its predictable plot and thematic predictability.

  • Seen as a solid, albeit not groundbreaking, entry in the 'haunted man' genre.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's gritty portrayal of a troubled protagonist and the intense performances. Some viewers found the story a bit slow-paced, while others felt it offered a compelling look at redemption and the consequences of violence.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in several economically depressed areas of the American Rust Belt, aiming to visually underscore the protagonist's internal and external struggles.

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