Fray

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.

Our young men are sent to foreign lands to be killed , maimed, and living the rest of their days with intense mental trauma. The young women, children, and mothers of these men also suffer not knowing what to do. What do these bright promising lads receive after these tours? Nothing! This movie is a realistic look at the real after life of these soldiers who feel a noble duty to serve. Too bad those who they serve don't deserve the sacrifice. The lead is fantastic and so is the girl friend. BTW I am the mother of one of these boys. I know.

Really puts you in the POV of a young injured veteran who is struggling to achieve literally anything in the United States system and on top of this he's a character who rejects anything he interprets as charity which is tragic. Disclosure: I am not a veteran, just a film fan who has worked with many military personnel.

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.

Fray is a shining example of simple economical film making at it's finest.

In it's depiction of a former solider suffering from PTSD while trying to get his life back on track, Fray might not say anything new but it delivers its message with a raw authenticity lacking in much larger budgeted Hollywood productions dealing with similar subject matter.

The film really shines in two aspects. The cinematography is excellent and it is little surprise the cinematographer has subsequently moved onto much higher profile and presumably higher budgeted work.

Secondly and most importantly for such a intimate and character driven film is the performance of the lead. Brian Kaplan is incredibly naturalistic as Justin the returning solider. I haven't been as impressed with a lead performance for some time and am surprised that this excellent film hasn't catapulted him into the spotlight. Hopefully if enough people see this film it will.

High recommended for all lovers of indie cinema.