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Braven
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Braven
Theatrical release poster
Directed byLin Oeding
Screenplay byThomas Pa'a Sibbett
Story by
  • Mike Nilon
  • Thomas Pa'a Sibbett
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyBrian Andrew Mendoza
Edited byRob Bonz
Music by
Production
companies
Saban Films
Pride of Gypsies
Highland Film Group
Ingenious Media
Distributed byLionsgate
Release date
  • February 2, 2018 (2018-02-02) (United States)
Running time
94 minutes
Countries
  • Canada
  • United States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$854,319[1]

Braven is a 2018 action thriller film[2] directed by Lin Oeding and written by Mike Nilon and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett. The film stars Jason Momoa as Joe Braven, with Garret Dillahunt, Stephen Lang, Jill Wagner, and Brendan Fletcher. Principal photography began in December 2015 in Newfoundland, Canada. Scenes for this film were also shot and included from Springhill, Nova Scotia. The film was released on February 2, 2018.

Plot

[edit]

Logging company owner and family man Joe Braven lives with his wife Stephanie, daughter Charlotte, and his father Linden. Linden, who suffers from dementia due to a previous head injury, gets into a bar room brawl, ending up in the hospital. When the doctor recommends a more supervised approach for Linden, Stephanie suggests Joe take Linden to the family's secluded mountain cabin to talk about the situation.

While transporting logs and drugs by truck, Joe's co-worker, Weston, and Hallett, a drug trafficker, get into an accident and store the cocaine in Joe's mountain cabin. They take refuge at a motel, where Hallett relays the news to his employer, drug lord Kassen.

Upon their arrival at the cabin, Joe discovers the cocaine in the shed. He hides Charlotte, who tagged along, in a storage closet before they are surrounded by Kassen's mercenaries. Kassen kills Weston in front of Joe. Unable to call for help with the lack of cell service, Joe and Linden arm themselves and kill one of the mercenaries.

Needing higher ground to access a cellular network, Joe causes a distraction and drives away on a quad bike with Charlotte. He instructs her to climb to the mountain, where she calls her mother, who in turn calls the sheriff. Another mercenary attacks Joe but he drives the quad off a cliff into the sea, killing the mercenary and almost dying himself. Hallett enters the cabin and is stabbed with a skewer by Linden, killing him.

A bow-wielding Stephanie saves Charlotte from a mercenary. Joe returns to the cabin, where he kills two more men. Charlotte is picked up by the sheriff as Stephanie is pursued in the woods. Kassen takes Linden hostage and fatally stabs him in front of Joe. He escapes with the lost cocaine but Joe chases after him. He helps Stephanie kill her pursuer before engaging in a violent knife fight with Kassen on the cliff. He pushes Kassen off the edge, killing him, before being reunited with his family.

Cast

[edit]
  • Jason Momoa as Joe Braven, a soft spoken logger and family man, the protagonist of the film
  • Garret Dillahunt as Kassen, the main antagonist of the film and the leader of the drug traffickers.
  • Stephen Lang as Linden Braven, Joe's father
  • Jill Wagner as Stephanie Braven, Joe's wife
  • Sasha Rossof as Charlotte Braven, Joe's daughter
  • Glenn Ennis as Ridley, a mercenary and the second antagonist of the film.
  • Teach Grant as Essington, third antagonist; a mercenary working with Kassen
  • Zahn McClarnon as Hallett, a drug trafficker, who is Kassen's right hand man.
  • Fraser Aitcheson as Clay, a mercenary working for Kassen
  • Sala Baker as Gentry, a mercenary working for Kassen
  • Todd Scott as Luisi, a mercenary working for Kassen
  • Brendan Fletcher as Weston, Joe's co-worker
  • James Harvey Ward as Randal
  • Steve O'Connell as Sheriff Cal Osser, supporting character helping the Braven family
  • Tye Alexander as Deputy Glen Harris, Sheriff Cal Osser’s assistant
  • Steve Cochrane as Doctor Edwards
  • Kevin Lewis as Bartender, the Bartender of the bar Linden goes inside of at the beginning
  • Monica Walsh as Waitress

Production

[edit]

September 3, 2015, it was announced that Jason Momoa would star in the action thriller film Braven to be directed by Lin Oeding, based on the story by Mike Nilon and scripted by Thomas Pa'a Sibbett. Momoa would produce the film along with his partner Brian Mendoza through their Pride of Gypsies banner, along with Nilon and Molly Hassell.[3] On December 14, 2015, Garret Dillahunt joined the film to play the villainous role.[4]

Principal photography on the film began early-December 2015 in Newfoundland, Canada.[4]

Reception

[edit]

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 77% based on 31 reviews, and an average rating of 5.9/10.[5] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 61 out of 100, based on 10 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[6]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Braven

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Braven is a 2018 American action thriller film directed by Lin Oeding and written by Michael Nilon and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett. The story centers on Joe Braven, a logger living near the , who discovers a hidden stash of in his remote family cabin and must protect his loved ones from a group of ruthless drug traffickers seeking to retrieve it. The film stars in the title role, alongside as his ailing father, as the lead , and as his wife. Produced by Highland Film Group and others, including Momoa himself, Braven marks Oeding's feature directorial debut following his work as a stunt coordinator and director on films like . Filming took place in Newfoundland, Canada, emphasizing practical action sequences in a snowy, isolated setting. Released theatrically on February 2, 2018, by Saban Films in a limited run, Braven later became available on and streaming platforms, including . The film received mixed reviews, with praise for its intense fight choreography and Momoa's performance, though some critics noted its formulaic plot. It grossed approximately $2.2 million worldwide.

Synopsis and Characters

Plot

Joe Braven, a company owner living in rural with his wife and young daughter Charlotte, leads a hardworking life transporting logs through the snowy wilderness. His father, Linden, suffers from following a previous , which has strained their relationship and prompted concerns about his care. After Linden becomes involved in a by mistaking a stranger for his late wife, Joe decides to take him to their remote family cabin in the mountains for a serious discussion about options, unaware that Charlotte has stowed away in their truck. En route, the narrative reveals that one of Joe's co-workers, Weston, has been secretly a large quantity of hidden inside hollowed logs on a company truck, in partnership with a local dealer named Hallett. During a severe , their truck crashes off the road near , forcing them to hastily stash the drug bricks in the cabin's woodshed before fleeing. Upon arriving at the cabin, Joe and Linden unload supplies and soon discover the hidden while organizing firewood, realizing the severe danger it poses as they deduce that dangerous individuals will soon come searching for it. Linden, in a moment of confusion, accidentally shoots and kills one of the arriving henchmen who breaks into the cabin, escalating the situation into a full with the drug traffickers led by the ruthless Kassen. As Kassen and his armed men— including enforcers Ridley and others—surround the cabin demanding the drugs, Joe attempts to negotiate peacefully but quickly understands that they intend to eliminate all witnesses. With phone service unavailable in the remote location, Joe barricades the family inside and mounts a desperate defense, transforming from a reluctant family man into a fierce protector. He improvises weapons from the cabin's gear, using an axe to dispatch one attacker in close-quarters combat and crafting arrows for ranged strikes against others advancing through the snow. Charlotte flees to a nearby ridge to signal for help using a , while Linden covers Joe with a despite his deteriorating condition. The violence intensifies in a series of brutal fights, with Joe killing several henchmen through traps, , and hand-to-hand struggles amid the cabin's confines. Alerted by Charlotte's earlier hidden phone call, Stephanie races to the scene with local , joining the fray by wielding a to shoot and kill Ridley as he threatens Joe. In the chaos of a climactic , Kassen infiltrates the cabin and fatally stabs Linden during a struggle, leaving Joe devastated but more determined. Pursuing Kassen into the stormy wilderness, Joe engages him in a on a snowy cliffside, where Kassen taunts him about Linden's death. Overpowered momentarily, Joe turns the tide by tackling Kassen off the edge into a fatal fall, securing himself with a climbing line to survive. With the traffickers defeated and the drugs secured by authorities, Joe reunites with the grieving but safe and Charlotte, honoring Linden's memory as the family begins to heal.

Cast

The principal cast of Braven features in the lead role of Joe Braven, a rugged logger and family man serving as the film's protagonist. portrays Kassen, the ruthless drug lord and primary antagonist who leads a group of dangerous criminals. plays Linden Braven, Joe's aging father afflicted with , depicted as a vulnerable yet resourceful elder figure. stars as Stephanie Braven, Joe's supportive wife and a key family member. Sasha Rossof appears as Charlotte Braven, Joe's young daughter, representing the innocent stakes in the story. Supporting roles include as Weston, Joe's co-worker involved in the logging trade, and as Gentry, one of Kassen's imposing henchmen. Additional notable performers are as Hallett, Kassen's trusted right-hand enforcer, and Teach Grant as Essington, another member of the antagonist's crew. No significant uncredited appearances are reported in production credits. Jason Momoa not only stars as Joe Braven but also serves as a , with his involvement deeply tied to developing the character's portrayal as a determined family defender.
ActorRoleCharacter Description
Joe BravenProtagonist logger and family patriarch
KassenRuthless drug lord and antagonist
Linden BravenJoe's father, vulnerable elder with
Stephanie BravenJoe's devoted wife
Sasha RossofCharlotte BravenJoe's innocent daughter
WestonJoe's co-worker in logging
GentryKassen's burly henchman
HallettKassen's reliable enforcer
Teach GrantEssingtonMember of Kassen's criminal team

Production

Development

The development of Braven began with its announcement on September 3, 2015, when Highland Film Group revealed that Jason Momoa would star in the action thriller, directed by Lin Oeding and based on a story conceived by Mike Nilon with a screenplay by Thomas Pa'a Sibbett. The project centered on a logger confronting drug runners at his remote cabin, drawing from the high-stakes survival elements common in action thrillers while emphasizing family protection amid an independent production's constraints. Momoa, attached as both lead actor and through his Pride of Gypsies banner, played a pivotal role in shaping the film's creative direction, collaborating with producers Brian , Mike Nilon, and Molly Hassell to maintain a modest $5 million suitable for an indie-scale . This approach allowed for practical, grounded action sequences influenced by Momoa's interest in authentic, character-driven thrillers, prioritizing stunt coordination from Oeding's background as a second-unit director. Initial casting announcements in late 2015 solidified the ensemble, with Momoa confirmed in the lead role alongside as the antagonist, as his father, and as his wife, all revealed on December 17. The production was backed by companies including Pride of Gypsies, Highland Film Group, Saban Films, and , enabling international sales handling at the .

Filming

Principal photography for Braven commenced in early December 2015 in Newfoundland, , and wrapped in early 2016. The production primarily shot in rural forests of Newfoundland to capture authentic scenes and the remote cabin setting, leveraging real woodland sites amid winter snowscapes, with additional scenes filmed in . Lin Oeding directed the film in his feature-length debut, drawing on his extensive background as a coordinator to oversee the action. Cinematographers navigated significant challenges from the remote, rugged terrain and seasonal constraints, including just 9 to 9.5 hours of usable daylight each day, which compressed shooting into dawn-to-dusk schedules often running a full 10 hours straight. The action sequences emphasized practical effects and on-location stunt work, with intricate fight executed without reliance on extensive CGI to maintain a grounded, visceral feel. On set, the extreme cold posed ongoing difficulties for the cast and crew, exacerbated by the winter filming window; director Oeding noted the team's resilience in toughing out the conditions. Jason Momoa underwent rigorous physical preparation for his role, honing skills like axe-throwing and arrow-shooting to perform demanding s authentically, including shirtless scenes in subzero temperatures where he used hot water bowls to combat risks.

Release

Theatrical release

Braven received a limited theatrical release in the United States on February 2, 2018, distributed by Saban Films. The film opened in select theaters across major markets, capitalizing on Jason Momoa's growing prominence as an action star following his roles in Justice League and ahead of his solo Aquaman film later that year. The distribution strategy included a modest international rollout in select markets, such as a wide release in (as ДИКИЙ) on February 22, 2018, and subsequent openings in on March 16, on March 29, and on September 13. , where principal photography had taken place, saw availability aligned with the U.S. debut as part of the limited North American strategy. Saban Films had acquired North American distribution rights prior to the launch, following the film's completion by production companies including Highland Film Group and Pride of Gypsies. Marketing efforts centered on a digital trailer debut on YouTube on January 12, 2018, which highlighted the film's intense action sequences and Momoa's rugged logger character. The campaign emphasized the movie's survival thriller elements without major festival premieres. Braven runs 94 minutes and carries an R rating from the of America for violence and language throughout.

Home media

Following its on February 2, 2018, Braven became available for home viewing in various formats. , the film was released on DVD and Blu-ray on April 10, 2018, distributed by Lionsgate Home Entertainment. The Blu-ray edition includes the "The Braven's Views," which features cast interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Digital purchase and rental options emerged earlier, with availability on platforms such as Amazon Video and beginning February 2, 2018. By mid-2018, it was accessible via subscription streaming on . The film was added to in the United States on December 17, 2020. Internationally, home media releases varied by region; in , VVS Films handled distribution, with DVD and Blu-ray availability starting July 24, 2018, alongside video-on-demand options. Similar VOD and physical formats were offered in other territories through local distributors. As of 2025, no major re-releases, remasters, or sequels have been announced.

Reception

Critical response

Braven received generally favorable reviews from critics, with praise centered on Momoa's committed performance and the film's taut action sequences, though some noted its reliance on familiar conventions. On , the film holds an 80% approval rating based on 30 reviews, with an average score of 6.3/10. The site's consensus describes it as a competent action movie that delivers satisfying confrontations between . On , Braven has a score of 61 out of 100, based on 10 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reception. Reviewers frequently highlighted Momoa's physicality and emotional depth in portraying a family man thrust into violence, as well as the clear staging of brutal fight scenes. Variety called it "the sort of unpretentious yet thoroughly professional popcorn entertainment" that evokes the home-invasion tension of Straw Dogs, praising director Lin Oeding's efficient handling of suspense and character arcs. commended the "brutal combat... consistently clearly staged and choreographed," while appreciating Momoa's ability to add nuance to the archetypal hero. Criticisms often focused on the predictable plot and B-movie tropes, such as contrived family-defense motifs and overextended dramatic beats. described the film as "energetic but formulaic," adhering closely to action-thriller stereotypes without much innovation. Roger Ebert's review noted the narrative's goofiness and inorganic action moments, rating it 2.5 out of 4 stars as unintentional in parts. Audience reception was slightly more positive, with a 78% score on from over 2,500 verified ratings. On , users gave it a 6.0 out of 10, reflecting mixed or average sentiment. The film received no major awards or nominations.

Box office performance

Braven was produced on an estimated of $5 million. The film achieved a worldwide gross of $854,319, with all reported earnings stemming from international markets as domestic theatrical performance was not tracked separately. This total reflects a limited release strategy that prioritized video-on-demand (VOD) distribution over wide theatrical rollout, particularly in the United States where it debuted on February 2, 2018, in select theaters. The theatrical engagement was minimal, with a very limited release in select theaters but generating negligible due to the VOD emphasis. Internationally, openings varied, with notable weekend earnings including $183,342 in the and $123,203 in /CIS, though these did not translate to substantial cumulative performance. Overall, the modest theatrical returns underscore the film's alignment with independent action thrillers that rely on digital platforms for reach rather than traditional cinema circuits. Given the low production costs, Braven likely achieved modest profitability through ancillary revenue streams such as VOD rentals, streaming deals, and home media sales, common for low-budget with limited theatrical exposure. This approach mirrors other independent action titles that forgo expansive marketing for targeted , ensuring viability without blockbuster expectations.

References

  1. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/braven
  2. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/braven-2018
  3. https://highlandfilmgroup.com/movies/braven
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5001754/
  5. https://www.filminquiry.com/interview-lin-oeding-braven/
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5001754/releaseinfo/
  7. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Braven-%282018%29
  8. https://www.amazon.com/Braven-Jason-Momoa/dp/B079GCVQX6
  9. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5001754/plotsummary/
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5001754/fullcredits/
  11. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/braven/cast-and-crew
  12. https://deadline.com/2015/09/jason-momoa-braven-movie-aquaman-1201513838/
  13. https://www.reelviews.net/reelviews/braven
  14. http://moviefreak.com/braven-2018-interview-lin-oeding/
  15. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/jason-momoa-star-lin-oedings-820091/
  16. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/stephen-lang-joins-jason-momoa-850022/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5001754/companycredits/
  18. https://thecinemaholic.com/where-was-braven-filmed/
  19. https://www.shockya.com/news/2016/02/18/bravens-first-look-photo-shows-jason-momoa-fighting-for-survival/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5001754/locations/
  21. https://giggster.com/guide/movie-location/where-was-braven-filmed/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5001754/trivia/
  23. http://www.linoeding.com/bio
  24. https://variety.com/2018/film/reviews/braven-review-1202685166/
  25. https://www.mensjournal.com/entertainment/how-jason-momoa-perfected-axe-throwing-and-arrow-shooting-braven
  26. https://www.menshealth.com/trending-news/a19546642/jason-momoa-braven-movie/
  27. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Braven-(2018)
  28. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt5001754/
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOwIQNA9A8I
  30. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Braven-Blu-ray/198602/
  31. https://upcomingdiscs.com/2018/04/13/braven-blu-ray/
  32. https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/8898/braven
  33. https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/netflix-braven
  34. https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/jason-momoas-braven-coming-to-netflix-in-december-2020/
  35. https://acf-film.com/en/fiche.php?film=44905&direct=1
  36. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/braven
  37. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/braven-1080986/
  38. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5001754/awards/
  39. https://www.movieinsider.com/m14726/braven
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