Angel Studios Announces Upcoming Theatrical Release Based on Inspiring True Story
By Movieguide® Contributor
The studio behind the distribution of the 2023 surprise hit SOUND OF FREEDOM will distribute BRAVE THE DARK in a minimum of 1,000 theaters on Jan. 24, 2025.
A partial synopsis of the movie reads:
Long sustained by a quiet belief that no student is a lost cause, Stan Deen discovers the profound and direct impact he can have on another life. But as Stan attempts to figure out how troubled, secretive Nate wound up living alone in his car, without any family, their relationship will test his deepest convictions and become a life-changing journey through doubt and betrayal towards trust and redemption.
BAFTA winner and Golden Globe and Emmy nominee Jared Harris (CHERNOBYL, MAD MEN) plays Stan, and Nicolas Hamilton (IT, CAPTAIN FANTASTIC) plays Nate. The MAKE/FILMS AND Inspiring Films-produced movie also stars Jaime Harris (THE PRESTIGE) and Tobias Segal (JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2) and was directed by Damian Harris (GARDENS OF THE NIGHT).
The movie is based on the autobiographical screenplay by Nathaniel Deen.
Deen, who recalled always having a “passion for making movies,” followed the adage “write what you know” and decided to tell his story.
“Coming from a very dark past, I experienced a lot of loss and pain in life. I spent many years running from it,” Deen said. “I had a teacher who was willing to help rescue me from this darkness. He showed me that facing my obstacles and owning all of our story can have a positive impact on the lives of everyone around us.”
“He encouraged me to share my experience so that others might find hope,” he added.
“It’s hard to believe that 11 years ago when I decided to tell my life story in the version of a film that we’re at this stage today,” Deen said in a promotional clip.
He added that it wasn’t just about his story, but Stan’s, who passed away in 2016, giving the drama teacher a chance for his “inspiring legacy to shine on the world stage.”
Earlier this year the movie won Best Feature Film at the Omaha Film Festival.
“THANK YOU OMAHA!! We’re overwhelmed by your warm welcome and the incredible response to ‘Brave the Dark’ at the Omaha Film Festival!” posted producer Derek Dienner on Instagram. “Our screening was a sell-out success, with extra chairs added last minute to accommodate everyone who wanted to join. The post-screening Q&A was filled with raw emotions, and we’re grateful to everyone who stayed to share their thoughts and insights.”
Movieguide® recently reported on upcoming projects from Angel Studios:
In HOMESTEAD, an ex-Green Beret takes a job at an elaborate prepper compound as an apocalypse ensues. Those in the compound struggle to share resources and ideas. They’ll have to decide whether they’ll be stronger together or on their own as doom looms near.
Other content coming to Angel.com and the Angel app are SEVEN DAYS IN UTOPIA, THE REDEMPTION OF HENRY MYERS, TO END ALL WARS, STANDING UP and future episode of TUTTLE TWINS and DRY BAR COMEDY.
Angel Studios just released SWEETWATER on Sep. 26. The movie tells the story of the first African American player to join the NBA and stars Carey Elwes and Everett Osborne. It’s available to stream on all of Angel’s platforms.
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