Only the Brave: A Heartfelt Tribute to Courageous Firefighters
Based on true events, Only the Brave is a deeply moving drama that chronicles the lives and sacrifices of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite firefighting team battling devastating wildfires.
In the late 2000s, the Prescott, Arizona-based wildland firefighters are striving to achieve the highest level of certification. This designation would elevate them to an elite squad, deployable to combat fires across the nation. Superintendent Eric Marsh (Josh Brolin) has dedicated years to training his crew, making this certification paramount. Amidst this pursuit, Brendan McDonough (Miles Teller), a recovering addict seeking to turn his life around after learning of his ex-girlfriend’s pregnancy, joins the team.
The film poignantly reminds us of the tragic Yarnell Hill Fire on June 30, 2013, where 19 members of the Prescott firefighting unit perished. This event marked the deadliest wildfire disaster 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 film’s ending because it’s crucial to understand the nature of this picture, rooted in real-life tragedy. Only the Brave isn’t a typical Hollywood tale of triumph against all odds, nor is it a purely tragic narrative like The Perfect Storm. While the crew’s final mission forms a significant part of the film, culminating in a heartbreaking climax and epilogue, Only the Brave is ultimately a celebration of their lives, not a focus on their deaths.
A Glimpse into the Lives of Wildland Firefighters
Only the Brave spans several years in the existence 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 their rigorous training, moments of camaraderie, the intensity of battling wildfires, their lives at home, in bars, and amidst nature. Through the eyes of Brendan, the rookie, the film elucidates the unique challenges of wildland firefighting and the motivations of those drawn to this dangerous profession, where even a house fire pales in comparison. We learn their code, share their humor, and understand their values.
Jeff Bridges appears in the film without his signature beard, having shaved it for his role in Kingsman: The Golden Circle.
Only the Brave unveils a parallel world rarely depicted in Hollywood. Prescott is not New York, Los Angeles, or Boston. It’s Middle America, where horsemanship, country dancing, loyalty, and genuine, flawed men are still valued. When a wildfire threatens your town, you need strong, resolute individuals with shovels and chainsaws, not keyboard warriors engaged in social media feuds.
According to Miles Teller, the actors dug miles of firebreaks during their training to portray wildland firefighters authentically.
A Director’s Return to His Roots
This film marks a departure for director Joseph Kosinski, known for his futuristic sci-fi blockbusters Tron: Legacy and Oblivion. This shift is not accidental; Kosinski, who grew up in Iowa, found a personal connection to the story of the Arizona firefighters, viewing it as a return to his roots. While Only the Brave incorporates familiar Hollywood tropes, it remains a sincere portrayal of believable characters, even when they adhere to cinematic conventions. Prepare to shed tears during the film’s emotional climax – tissues are a must!
While Miles Teller’s character is integral to the narrative, the film’s core lies in the performances of Josh Brolin and Jennifer Connelly, who portrays Eric’s wife. Initially, their characters may seem like a stereotypical, idealized small-town couple (firefighter and veterinarian). However, as we spend more time with them, they reveal their complexities and humanity. They don’t become villains, but they expose their vulnerabilities, allowing us to deeply understand and empathize with them.
A Tribute to Heroism and Sacrifice
In Only the Brave, there are no villains. The heroes confront a deadly force of nature, eliminating the need for contrived conflicts. Even when Brendan faces hazing during training, it stems from a desire to ensure his reliability in critical situations. In this regard, Only the Brave echoes war dramas, but without the killing or the training to kill.
Unlike Kosinski’s previous works, this film is grounded in realism, yet it features impressive special effects that are as convincing as the actors’ performances. Only the Brave doesn’t just tell the story of firefighters; it allows you to experience their lives. It’s a fitting tribute to the brave men who lived short lives but saved many.