Fray (2012)

Sorry, this movie sucks

Pretty Good

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

What a perfect depiction of the life of a PTSD sufferer, understated and intimate - I have never seen such a candid portrayal of the day-to-day strife post-trauma!As a film it is beautifully directed and skilfully carried in virtual silence by Bryan Kaplan who is painfully insular and brooding, yet longing for connection and joys of the life he once had. Really enjoyed watching it and found it completely cathartic!

I've seen several of these films over the years. They're not new. "First Blood" with Sylvester Stallone is one; heck that entire film series if all you're doing is focusing on John Rambo and not all the violent action. He was a lonely guy who wanted to be left alone or be somewhere quiet. He had the epitome of PTSD because he thought he could treat it himself; he didn't need anyone's help, and in their minds: if they didn't experience it themselves how could they help? Or, if they did experience it well...it's different, not the same because this is "my" experience etc., All of them are like that. All the films on the subject but none of them actually address the problem or attempt to relay an answer; just how this individual handled it and apparently they all handle it basically the same. Now, whether that's based on reality, or not, I really wouldn't know but to survive hell you have to be a tough person and tough people want to help they don't want any help. They're the heroes, no one else. Sure, they're there for their brothers and sisters but that's different because in that respect: they're one and the same. That's the overall message I've gotten from films such as this. And does it matter? Depends on who you are, I would expect.I'm more of a technical rater than one who puts much stock in the emotional quality etc., of a film; so, most my ratings are based on technical things. On a technical level it's average in parts and below average in other parts. This film is like you're the student in the community college course the main character plays, in the sense that you're talking about a nonsensical topic that only applies to a few. This film only applies to a few. Who those few are, I have no idea. It's not, in my opinion, for soldiers because they know it already, they've seen and heard it before. It means nothing to the vast majority of them even if they can relate. Someone here stated this film is a "character study". I totally disagree. A character study studies the different qualities and characterizations of an individual person. The main character has one quality shown. Sure, you could say when he's alone he's more angry and violent while in public he's calm and collect (mostly). That's just a façade, a guise, a mask and we all wear them from time to time. The idea is whether he, or any of us, can actually remove the mask and keep it off. Sadly, that's rare.The film is okay, overall. It's not exciting, humorous, or even emotional in some senses. Everyone is moving like the wind hitting a tree (some parts move a little but basically remains in place) and as almost always: there's nothing new here. It's relatable to those who've experienced some type of extreme trauma in their lives (war, abuse, police/fire etc.,) but to everyone else (and probably most of them) it's more of a borefest. It doesn't necessarily use 'quiet' to its benefit.

Director Geoff Ryan does a fine job with this quiet, observant character study. It's a slow and deliberate film that allows us to discover moments as the characters in the film do. Another plus is a terrific, understated yet bold performance by Bryan Kaplan as the angst filled protagonist. One of the joys of indie films is that they highlight character development through observance and raw honesty.

I am a hard marker when it comes to military-related films. As a combat veteran myself, I can vouch for this one. Those who find it "unconvincing" are just naive to the reality of coming "home" after desperately hoping & fighting to get back, only to find no home left. To find that the sacrifice did not lead to more prosperous opportunities, that people don't understand you, and that even though it feels like everything has been taken from you, somehow you still miss the experience that made you feel so alive and on the edge. You miss your brothers. It's an incredibly difficult thing to transition back into society after surviving with a group of people holding so close to the heart this notion of your home, wherever that is, and making it back to realize it doesn't exist anymore. You aren't the same and you never will be. It's like a whole new, more f'ed up phase of mental hardships that blindsided you. And I could write a book. There's the reality of this emotion and then there's the attempt to express it. So I want to give this movie real props for getting it close enough to keep my attention. In fact, I totally fell into it and related to many scenes. I reflected about myself and how I am towards others at times. I reflected about how much I've gone on these respites alone in nature, just walking and wanting to be alone. So I don't think I spoiled anything in this review that isn't suggested in a preview. I just needed to write a review for the first time ever because I feel like this film deserves credit. And Bryan Kaplan did a fantastic job. That is all.