Braven

Braven 2018

Directed by

Lin Oeding

Lin Oeding

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Braven (2018). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Logging company owner and devoted family man Joe Braven (played by Jason Momoa) shares his life with his loving wife, Stephanie (portrayed by Jill Wagner), and their young daughter Charlotte (acted by Sasha Rossof). As a storm approaches their home, Joe urges his driver, Weston (played by Brendan Fletcher), to take refuge overnight to wait out the harsh weather, but Weston insists on completing a delivery of logs for the following day.

In the meantime, Joe’s father, Linden (played by Stephen Lang), who is suffering from dementia, unintentionally gets into trouble after mistaking a woman in a bar for his wife, leading to a violent confrontation that leaves him hospitalized due to a severe head injury. The local sheriff, Cal Osser, is sympathetic but warns Joe that further incidents will result in Linden’s arrest. With the doctor mentioning that Linden’s condition is deteriorating and he requires constant care, Joe grapples with the heart-wrenching idea of placing his father in an assisted living facility, a notion he vehemently opposes being that Linden has always been his pillar of strength.

To regroup and bond, Joe and Charlotte decide to spend some quality time with Linden at their remote mountain cabin. Unfortunately, the situation takes a dangerous turn when Weston, while trying to deliver logs, is coerced by Hallett (played by Zahn McClarnon), a drug trafficker, to unwittingly transport a stash of cocaine disguised within logs. After a harrowing accident caused by the storm leads to the loss of control of his truck, Weston’s attempt to salvage the situation results in a fateful decision to hide the drugs at Joe’s cabin.

Unbeknownst to Joe, after he arrives at the cabin with Linden and Charlotte, a deadly game begins to unfold as drug lord Kassen (played by Garret Dillahunt) dispatches his men to reclaim the stolen goods. As chaos erupts around them, Joe discovers the hidden stash of drugs in his garage, realizing the imminent danger the family is now in.

When Kassen and his men surround the cabin, Joe attempts to negotiate with Kassen, offering half of the cocaine in exchange for their safety. However, tensions escalate when Weston is brutally killed, prompting a desperate fight for survival. As communication fails due to poor reception, Joe, armed with a bow and arrow, and Linden, wielding a gun, engage in a fierce standoff against Kassen’s mercenaries, determined to protect their family at all costs.

With a gripping blend of action and emotional stakes, Joe races against time to secure his family’s safety. He makes a heartbreaking choice to send Charlotte to a higher ground for help while facing off against Kassen’s men in an escalating confrontation. Amidst the mayhem, Stephanie finds herself drawn into the chaos as she learns of the threats against her family. In a climactic showdown, Joe confronts Kassen in a deadly knife fight that culminates in a heart-wrenching resolution.

In the end, the chaotic battle for survival not only demands courage from Joe but also forces the family to confront their fears and the realities of loss, ultimately leading to a poignant reconnection as they reconcile their bonds amidst the aftermath of danger.

Timeline

Track the key events of Braven (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Joe's Family Life

Joe Braven, a logging company owner, enjoys a peaceful life with his beloved wife Stephanie and their young daughter Charlotte. This idyllic family setup is soon interrupted by unforeseen events, setting the stage for a harrowing ordeal.

The Storm Approaches

As a fierce storm threatens their home, Joe insists that his driver Weston stay overnight to wait out the harsh weather. However, Weston feels compelled to complete a log delivery, showcasing the tension between duty and safety.

Linden's Incident

Joe's father, Linden, who suffers from dementia, mistakenly confronts a woman at a bar believing she is his wife. This misunderstanding leads to a violent incident that results in Linden being hospitalized, adding further stress to Joe's already complicated life.

Local Bar

The Doctor's Warning

At the hospital, Joe receives grim news from the doctor about Linden's deteriorating condition. Faced with the possibility of placing his father in an assisted living facility, Joe grapples with feelings of guilt and resistance, remembering Linden as his steadfast support.

Hospital

Family Bonding at the Cabin

In an attempt to strengthen family bonds, Joe, Charlotte, and Linden head to their remote mountain cabin. This decision sets them up for an unexpected confrontation as they try to escape from the troubles of the outside world.

Mountain Cabin

Weston's Fatal Delivery

While attempting to deliver logs, Weston encounters Hallett, a drug trafficker, who coerces him into transporting cocaine hidden within the logs. Unbeknownst to Joe, this fateful decision will soon put his family at great risk.

The Storm's Wrath

A harrowing accident caused by the raging storm results in Weston losing control of his truck. Desperate to hide his involvement, he chooses to stash the drugs at Joe's cabin, unknowingly endangering them all.

Discovery of the Stash

Once Joe arrives at the cabin with Linden and Charlotte, he discovers the hidden stash of drugs in his garage. This revelation signifies the beginning of their troubles, as they are now targets in a dangerous game.

Joe's Cabin

Drug Lord's Arrival

As chaos ensues, drug lord Kassen sends his men to recover the stolen cocaine. Joe must confront the gravity of the situation as armed mercenaries surround the cabin, threatening the lives of his family.

Joe's Cabin

Negotiation Fails

Joe attempts to negotiate with Kassen, offering a portion of the cocaine for their safety. However, violence erupts when Weston is brutally killed, triggering a fight for survival between the family and Kassen's men.

Joe's Cabin

Standoff Against Mercenaries

In a desperate standoff, Joe arms himself with a bow and arrow, while Linden grabs a gun. Together, they prepare to defend their home from the ruthless mercenaries, unwilling to back down.

Joe's Cabin

Sending Charlotte to Safety

In a heartbreaking moment, Joe decides to send Charlotte to higher ground to seek help. This difficult choice underscores the dire circumstances they face as he remains to confront Kassen's men.

Stephanie Enters the Fray

As the conflict escalates, Joe's wife Stephanie becomes aware of the looming threats against their family. Her involvement adds another layer of urgency as she desperately seeks to protect her loved ones.

Joe's Cabin

Climactic Knife Fight

In a heart-stopping climax, Joe confronts Kassen in a deadly knife fight that symbolizes the culmination of his fight for his family's safety. This battle tests his resolve and brings to light the true stakes of their living nightmare.

Joe's Cabin

The Aftermath

Following the catastrophic events, the Braven family is forced to confront their fears and the painful realities of loss. Through their ordeal, they find a poignant reconnection, reminding them of the strength of their familial bonds.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Braven (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Joe Braven (Jason Momoa)

Joe is a dedicated family man and logging company owner, portrayed as fiercely protective of his loved ones. As he faces insurmountable challenges, his resilience and determination to ensure his family's safety come to the forefront. His character evolves as he transitions from a caring father to a fierce protector under pressure.

👨‍👧‍👦 Family Man 🏋️‍♂️ Protector

Stephanie Braven (Jill Wagner)

Stephanie is Joe's supportive wife who embodies stability in their family's life. While she grapples with the chaos that threatens her family, her strength becomes evident as she navigates through the turmoil, showcasing her resilience and commitment to her loved ones.

💪 Strong Woman ❤️ Supportive

Linden Braven (Stephen Lang)

Linden is Joe's ailing father, suffering from dementia but still a pivotal figure in Joe's life. His condition adds emotional depth to the story as Joe struggles with the idea of losing his father to assisted living, showcasing the profound impact of family ties and care.

👴 Caring Father 💔 Ailing

Weston (Brendan Fletcher)

Weston is Joe's driver who unintentionally becomes embroiled in the drug trafficking scheme. His determination to complete his delivery despite the storm leads to tragic consequences, highlighting themes of duty and the ripple effects of one's choices.

🚚 Driver ⚠️ Unwitting

Kassen (Garret Dillahunt)

Kassen is the menacing drug lord who poses a significant threat to Joe's family. His ruthless nature and willingness to use violence underscore the danger that surrounds the family and serve as a catalyst for the film's explosive conflict.

💼 Drug Lord 🚨 Antagonist

Setting

Uncover the settings of Braven (2018), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The movie unfolds during a contemporary setting, marked by a severe storm that heightens the tension of the family's plight. It reflects modern concerns about drug trafficking and the struggles of familial responsibilities, especially in dealing with aging parents.

Location

remote mountain cabin, local bar

The remote mountain cabin serves as a refuge for Joe and his family, offering isolation amidst the looming dangers they face. It is a place of retreat that becomes the epicenter of a violent struggle. Meanwhile, the local bar where Linden's incident occurs is a gathering spot that showcases the community's undercurrents, leading to unforeseen consequences.

🏞️ Nature 🍻 Bar

Themes

Explore the core themes of Braven (2018). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


⚔️

Survival

The theme of survival is prevalent as Joe faces the ultimate test to protect his family against external threats. The constant danger pushes Joe to his limits, forcing him to make life-and-death choices. This struggle underscores the lengths a parent will go to ensure their family's safety.

❤️

Family Bonds

Family bonds are central to the narrative, highlighting the deep connections between Joe, Stephanie, Linden, and Charlotte. Their relationships drive Joe's motivations and add emotional weight to the action. The story emphasizes the importance of standing together in the face of adversity.

🌀

Chaos

As the storm rages outside, chaos ensues inside the cabin, reflecting the turmoil of the characters' lives. The violent intrusion of drug traffickers disrupts their peaceful retreat, showcasing how quickly life can spiral out of control. This theme illustrates the unpredictability of both nature and human conflict.

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