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.

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.