🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Lin Oeding
- Genre: Action, Thriller
- Release year: 2018
- Runtime (length): 1h 34min
- IMDb rating: 5.9/10 (43K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 21%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Aquaman’s dad, a lumberjack with early onset old-timer’s disease, finds drugs in his cabin, so he does his best Home Alone impression on a bunch of really incompetent drug dealers.
🍿 Braven: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Family and Dementia
Joe Braven, a logger, faces challenges both at work and at home. His father, Linden, suffers from dementia, leading to a violent incident in a bar. Joe grapples with the decision of how to best care for his father while also protecting his family. This opening sets the stage for themes of family, responsibility, and the difficulties of aging.

The Cabin Retreat
Seeking respite and a chance to bond, Joe takes Linden and his daughter, Charlotte, to their remote cabin. Unbeknownst to them, a truck carrying illegal drugs has crashed nearby, and the drugs are stashed in Joe’s cabin. This sets the stage for a violent confrontation when the drug runners come looking for their missing cargo.

Invasion and Defense
The drug runners, led by Kassen, arrive at the cabin, initiating a siege. Joe and Linden must defend themselves and Charlotte using whatever means available. The film transitions into a survival action thriller, showcasing Joe’s resourcefulness and determination to protect his family against overwhelming odds.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Joe Braven (Jason Momoa): A dedicated family man and logger who must protect his family from ruthless drug runners.
- Kassen (Garret Dillahunt): The ruthless drug lord who seeks to retrieve his stolen cocaine, willing to do whatever it takes.
- Stephanie Braven (Jill Wagner): Joe’s resourceful wife who demonstrates bravery and skill in protecting her daughter.
- Linden Braven (Stephen Lang): Joe’s father, struggling with dementia, who proves to still be a capable fighter when his family is threatened.
- Charlotte Braven (Sasha Rossof): Joe and Stephanie’s young daughter who shows remarkable resilience amidst the chaos.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Stephanie Braven: “If you’re even up when I get home, I’ll consider that foreplay.” – Stephanie says this to Joe as she heads out to teach an archery class, showcasing her playful and confident personality.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $5,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $0
- Worldwide Gross: $854,319
💥 Braven Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into this expecting a mindless action flick, and I wasn’t disappointed, but I wasn’t blown away either. Momoa does a great job as the protective dad, and the scenery is absolutely gorgeous. I liked the dynamic with Stephen Lang as his dad. But the plot is pretty predictable, and some of the action scenes are just silly. The ending was alright, but I was more invested in the family dynamic than the actual fight. Overall, it was an okay watch for a rainy night, but don’t expect anything groundbreaking.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Jason Momoa”
- “Viewers who enjoy action thrillers”
- “Those who like survival stories”
- “People who enjoy movies set in snowy landscapes”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence”
- “Drug use”
- “Strong language”
- “Death of a family member”
Professional Reviews
- ScreenRant: “Braven is a surprisingly solid action thriller that benefits from Jason Momoa’s charismatic performance and the beautiful, desolate setting. While the plot is straightforward, the film delivers a satisfying dose of suspense and well-choreographed fight sequences. If you’re looking for a thrilling, no-frills action movie, Braven is worth a watch.
- IMDb: “The scenic settings of Braven were a great element of the film, but the writing was lacking in some areas. Jason Momoa and other actors gave convincing performances, but several plot issues dragged down the movie. While the action can be fun, viewers should prepare for some unrealistic scenes. Enjoyable for some, frustrating for others.
- Common Sense Media: “Action-packed thriller with violence, language. Braven is a solid if predictable action film that showcases Jason Momoa’s physical presence and his character’s dedication to his family. The story is simple, the suspense is effective, and the action is brutal and believable within the movie’s framework.
Audience Reactions
Many viewers appreciated the beautiful scenery and the performances of Jason Momoa and Stephen Lang.: Viewers noted that the movie offers exciting action sequences, although the writing and action scenes sometimes lack realism, making it a typical action movie.
Some viewers found it entertaining, particularly the family story and the actor performances.: The common agreement is that while the plot may be simplistic, the performances, action, and emotional content make the film enjoyable, but it has numerous logical issues.
Overall Consensus: Braven receives mixed reviews, praised for its action and performances but criticized for its plot holes and lack of realism.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Braven was filmed in Newfoundland, Canada, utilizing the natural, snowy landscapes to create a realistic and harsh environment for the film’s setting.”
- “The movie emphasizes practical effects and stunt work to enhance the visceral impact of the action sequences, aiming for a raw and gritty feel.”
- “Jason Momoa was involved in the production through his production company, Pride of Gypsies, demonstrating his commitment to action-oriented roles and storytelling.”
🖥️ How to Watch Braven?
Braven is currently available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on services like Hulu with a Live TV subscription, or through rental or purchase options on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast availability, as it sometimes airs on cable channels.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Braven, you might like these similar films:
- Death Wish (2018): A modern action thriller where a family man is pushed to extreme violence to protect his loved ones.
- The Edge (1997): Survival thriller set in the wilderness, focusing on resourcefulness and fighting off threats in a remote environment.
- Rambo: First Blood (1982): A lone individual battles against overwhelming odds in a wilderness setting, showcasing survival skills and tactical prowess.
🛒 Braven Related Products
- Jason Momoa Autographed Braven Movie Poster: A rare and highly sought-after collectible featuring Jason Momoa’s autograph. Perfect for die-hard fans and collectors of movie memorabilia, capturing a memorable piece of the movie.
- Braven: The Wilderness Survival Guide: An interactive ebook providing essential survival skills inspired by the movie’s setting, including wilderness navigation, shelter building, and first aid techniques. A companion app featuring mini-games and quizzes that test users’ knowledge of survival tactics.
- Braven-Inspired Lumberjack Beard Grooming Kit: This kit includes beard oil, balm, and a comb, all made with natural ingredients. The items provide all the essentials to maintain a rugged, lumberjack-esque beard like Jason Momoa’s character.
- Braven: Cabin Assault – The Board Game: A strategy board game where players take on the roles of Joe Braven and his family, defending their cabin against waves of ruthless drug runners. Tactical gameplay involving resource management, trap setting, and strategic combat to survive the night and protect their home.
🎧 Soundtrack
Braven features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Mississippi Queen” – performed by Radio Birds
- “Braven Main Theme” – performed by Original Score Composer
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Braven was primarily filmed in Newfoundland, Canada, showcasing the region’s rugged and snowy landscapes. These stunning locales add to the film’s atmosphere of isolation and danger.
Braven is rated R for violence. It contains intense action sequences, graphic violence, and some language. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for younger audiences.
Jason Momoa stars as Joe Braven, a logger and family man who must protect his home and family from a group of dangerous drug runners. He’s also credited as a producer on the film.
🔥 Bonus Content
Braven (2018) Carnage Count
Ever wonder just *how* much action ‘Braven’ packs in? This video breaks down the carnage count! I was honestly surprised at the final number.
10 Action Movies on Amazon Prime, Better Than Transformers (& Why?) | Flick Connection
Looking for more action flicks like ‘Braven’? This video puts it in the context of other Amazon Prime action movies, and the reasoning is pretty solid. Totally worth checking out if you enjoyed ‘Braven’!
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