Fray

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.