Braven

In the 2018 film Braven, Jason Momoa stars as Joe Braven, a humble logger living in the wilderness of Newfoundland, Canada. In addition to his family, Joe shares his home and business with his best friend, Weston (played by Brendan Fletcher), who helps him to maintain his remote cabin and crew of workers.

One day, while out on a job with Weston, the pair stumble upon a cache of drugs hidden in their truck. Shortly thereafter, a group of heavily armed drug traffickers led by Kassen (Garret Dillahunt) arrive at the cabin to reclaim their stolen goods. In a fierce showdown, Joe and Weston are able to fend off their attackers, but not before revealing their location to the drug kingpin.

From there, Braven devolves into a thrilling game of cat and mouse as Kassen and his men track Joe and his family through the harsh and unforgiving wilderness. While the premise may sound familiar, the execution is anything but generic. Director Lin Oeding masterfully builds tension and suspense throughout the film, crafting an immersive and thoroughly engaging experience that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

Jason Momoa delivers a standout performance as Joe, convincingly portraying a man pushed to the brink of his physical and emotional limits in the face of overwhelming adversity. Similarly, Garret Dillahunt's Kassen is a formidable villain with a commanding presence that demands attention. The two actors play off each other perfectly, creating a palpable sense of antagonism that is both thrilling and terrifying.

Jill Wagner rounds out the primary cast as Stephanie, Joe's wife and mother to their daughter, Charlotte. While Stephanie serves mostly as a plot device to further Joe's motivations, Wagner gives a solid performance that carries weight and emotional depth. She imbues her character with a strong sense of determination and resourcefulness, making her a valuable asset to Joe's struggle.

One of the standout aspects of Braven is its stunning use of natural scenery. Shot on location in Newfoundland, the film takes full advantage of the region's rugged and breathtaking landscapes, showcasing its beauty and its danger in equal measure. The winter setting only adds to the tension, as Joe and his family must contend with snowstorms, freezing temperatures, and treacherous terrain on top of the ever-present threat of their pursuers.

The action sequences in Braven are intense and visceral, with Oeding favoring practical effects over CGI whenever possible. The fight choreography is particularly impressive, with Momoa and Dillahunt engaging in some brutal and hard-hitting combat. The film doesn't shy away from violence, but it never glorifies it either - instead, the fights carry real weight and consequences, making them all the more satisfying to watch.

While Braven may not break any new ground in terms of its plot, it more than makes up for it with its execution. The film is a tense, exciting thriller that doesn't overstay its welcome or become bogged down by unnecessary subplots. It's a lean and mean genre piece that knows exactly what it wants to be and executes it flawlessly.

In conclusion, Braven is a well-crafted and enjoyable film that showcases Jason Momoa's talents as a leading man. Director Lin Oeding delivers a tense and exciting thriller that balances character development with intense action sequences, and the stunning Canadian scenery only adds to the experience. Fans of the genre won't want to miss this one.