Only the Brave: A Story of Courage and Sacrifice
A heartfelt drama based on true events, showcasing the bravery of wildland firefighters battling raging infernos.
In the late 2000s, the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a crew of wildland firefighters from Prescott, Arizona, strive to achieve elite certification. This designation would elevate them to a top-tier team, deployable to combat wildfires across the nation. Superintendent Eric Marsh (Josh Brolin) has dedicated years to training his men, making this certification a paramount goal. Amidst this pursuit, he takes a chance on Brendan McDonough (Miles Teller), a recovering addict and slacker seeking to turn his life around after learning his ex-girlfriend is pregnant.
On July 30, 2013, tragedy struck when 19 members of the Prescott-based Granite Mountain Hotshots perished while fighting a wildfire near Yarnell, Arizona. This marked the deadliest wildfire incident for firefighters since the September 11, 2001, attacks, where the collapse of the Twin Towers claimed the lives of hundreds of first responders.
We begin this review by acknowledging the ending of “Only the Brave” because it’s crucial to understand the film’s true nature. This isn’t a typical Hollywood tale of triumph against all odds, nor is it a purely tragic narrative like “The Perfect Storm.” The crew’s final mission constitutes only a fraction of the film, albeit the most intense and emotionally charged segment, culminating in a poignant epilogue. “Only the Brave” exists because the Prescott firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice, but the film celebrates their lives, not their deaths.
A Glimpse into the Lives of Wildland Firefighters
“Only the Brave” spans several years in the lives of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. The film’s extended runtime allows for an intimate exploration of the firefighters’ work, families, and personal struggles. We witness them training, relaxing, battling fires, spending time with their families, frequenting bars, and enjoying the outdoors. By introducing a “green” rookie, the film effectively illustrates the unique challenges of wildland firefighting, shedding light on the motivations of those drawn to combatting colossal blazes that dwarf even the most significant house fires. We learn their rules, share their humor, and understand their values.
Fun Fact: Jeff Bridges appears in the film without his signature beard, as he shaved it for his role in “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.”
“Only the Brave” unveils a parallel world rarely depicted in Hollywood. Prescott isn’t New York, Los Angeles, Boston, or their suburbs. It’s Middle America, where horseback riding, country dancing, loyal friendships, and appreciation for genuine men, with all their strengths and flaws, still thrive. After all, when a raging firestorm threatens your town, you need strong, resolute individuals with shovels and chainsaws, not keyboard warriors preoccupied with social media squabbles.
According to Miles Teller, the actors dug miles of firebreaks during their training camp to realistically portray wildland firefighters.
A Director’s Homecoming
This marks the third directorial effort of Joseph Kosinski, previously known for futuristic sci-fi blockbusters like “Tron: Legacy” and “Oblivion.” This seemingly radical genre shift is not accidental. Kosinski grew up in Iowa, in a town similar to Prescott, and the story of the Arizona firefighters represents a return to his roots. Therefore, despite the presence of familiar Hollywood tropes, “Only the Brave” is a heartfelt film about relatable individuals, even when they adhere to cinematic conventions and deliver scripted lines. Consequently, it’s difficult to hold back tears during the finale – be sure to bring tissues!
While Miles Teller’s character is crucial to the narrative, the film’s true stars are Josh Brolin and Jennifer Connelly, who portrays Eric’s wife. Initially, their characters appear to be a stereotypical, idealized small-town couple (he’s a firefighter, she’s a veterinarian). However, the more time we spend with them, the more complex and human they become. They don’t transform into villains, but they reveal their scars and emotional vulnerabilities, allowing us to deeply understand and genuinely care for them.
A Tribute to Heroes
In “Only the Brave,” no one is inherently unlikeable. The characters are battling a deadly force of nature, eliminating the need for villains or contrived conflicts. Even when Brendan faces hazing during training, his comrades do so not out of malice, but because they need to know they can rely on him in critical situations. In this regard, “Only the Brave” is reminiscent of war dramas – but, of course, no one is killing or learning to kill here.
Unlike Kosinski’s previous works, this is a realistic film, yet it features impressive special effects that are as convincing as the acting. The film doesn’t just tell the story of firefighters; it allows you to experience their lives. It’s a remarkable tribute to courageous men who lived short lives but saved many others.