
Real-Life Teacher ‘Literally Transformed’ Student’s Life in BRAVE THE DARK
By Movieguide® Contributor
The producer and the real-life inspiration behind the new movie BRAVE THE DARK are sharing what the project has meant to them.
BRAVE THE DARK tells the true story of Mr. Deen, a teacher who discovers one of his students, Nate, has been living in his car. Believing that no one is a lost cause, Deen decides to do everything he can to help Nate build a better life.
“I always describe it as GOODWILL HUNTING meets DEAD POETS SOCIETY,” producer Derek Dienner told Movieguide®. “It’s this teacher who literally transformed Nate’s life and became his father figure and also transformed our community.”
Dienner continued, “He was such an incredible human and affected generations of kids. I don’t know if Nate would be sitting next to me right now without Mr. Deen.”
Nate Deen, who changed his name to honor the man who changed his life, said, “A small act of kindness changed my whole trajectory. I’m the person I am because of him, and the things that I’m doing moving forward are because of him and the things that he did for me.”
“He never gave up on me. He always encouraged me,” Deen continued. “What an honor, to change my name, to have a real name that feels like mine…to be Nate Deen; I’m proud of that.”
Dienner called BRAVE THE DARK “a transformational story” with “a lot of hope, but also shows some darkness to get to the hope. We hope people are really inspired by the story.”
“I’m just so excited to get this story out into the world, even though it’s very difficult at times,” Deen added. “It’s an important story that I think the world needs to hear.”
In a statement provided to Deadline, Deen, who was also a co-writer on the project, said the movie “isn’t just my story, it’s a tribute to my hero, Stan Deen. We are honored to link arms with Angel Studios, so BRAVE THE DARK and Stan’s legacy can shine brightly on the world stage.”
Reviews of BRAVE THE DARK are positive, with The Stream praising its “redemptive” story, as well as its production value. Movieguide® also reviewed the movie, calling it “heart-wrenching.”
BRAVE THE DARK is a heart wrenching movie to watch that doesn’t shy away from the brutality of Nate’s childhood experiences. The movie addresses suicide, abuse and trauma in a very real way. That said, it has tremendous moral themes of restoration, bravery and an especially powerful scene of prayer. Ultimately, BRAVE THE DARK is an incredible true story about how kindness and truth lead to genuine restoration. However, MOVIEGUIDE® advises strong caution for teenagers and sensitive adult viewers.
READ MORE: BRAVE THE DARK REVIEW
It arrives in theaters Jan. 24.