2022 Movie
Dir. Miles Warren · United States of America · English
A flawed but still sensitively done study of the cycle of toxic masculinity
As a story, Bruiser isn’t the most tightly written thing in the world, with a somewhat long-winded first half and a conclusion that feels too easy given the complicated things we learn about each character. But at its core, it remains impressively perceptive about how men perform their masculinity as a game of aggression and dominance—even if they feel that they’re simply trying to protect the children closest to them. Bruise takes on quite a bit of suspense for a drama, as tempers slowly boil over and everybody involved in this supposed battle over who claims authority over a teenage boy reveals themselves to be right and wrong in equal measure.
During summer break, 14-year-old Darious explores the boundaries of his manhood through tumultuous interactions with Malcolm his strict father and a burgeoning mentorship with mysterious drifter Porter.
"Warren’s feature debut succeeds in offering characters compassion, as well as navigating themes of toxic masculinity and fatherhood with the tenderness and heart that every child should be given."
— Alexandria Slater
"I have a feeling we will look back on “Bruiser” as the affirmation of two major talents in Hall and Warren. Like Darious himself, they’re just getting started."
— Brian Tallerico
Fourteen-year-old Darious befriends an older mentor figure, which puts a strain on his relationship with his strict father.
Trevante Rhodes' character is immediately the most interesting figure as soon as he shows up, given his tough exterior, unexpectedly sweet demeanor, and the knowledge that he would still probably use force if needed. But Shamier Anderson's father character, initially strait-laced and polite, matches this energy with a surprising capacity for anger and violence. Together these performances are towering, but both still so tragic as they reveal the inner, scarred children behind all that bravado and swagger they project out into the world.
Realizing you're growing up to be your dad can be weird, but it's way better than realizing you're reverting into your son.
Emil Hofileña is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. He also writes as a theater critic, with work published in Rogue and Out of Print, among others. He’s probably crying over a movie or an episode as we speak.
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