by Kristin Ciliberto, Contributing Writer
Bruiser, directed by Miles Warren, had a major premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival and was acquired by the Onyz Collective — it is their first narrative film. The film is an effective idea of realist art, and it’s an impressive directorial debut from Warren, who also co-wrote alongside Ben Medina.
This coming-of-age film tells the story of a father and son. It follows Darious (Jalyn Hall), a 14-year-old boy who returns home from boarding school to spend his summer with his parents, Monica (Shinelle Azoroh) and Malcolm (Shamier Anderson). Darious is constantly asking his father for a new bike. Feeling lost, he ends up in a nasty, brutal fight with some local bullies. This all leads to him feeling frustrated, until he meets Porter (Trevante Rhodes), a very similar loner to him, who eventually becomes his mentor. Porter and Darious quickly bond, and eventually Darious’ parents find out about his new friend, which leads to a serious, complicated history which hits with a slight twist.
Warren adapted this film from his 2021 short film of the same name, and he expands upon his ideas in the feature. Undoubtedly, this is not the last we will see of Warren, who proves and promises more great and simply effective stories ahead in his career. He is able to avoid clichés or stereotypes of the characters. This father and son story has Darious looking for inspiration from two fatherly figures: Malcolm and Porter. As children grow up, most are influenced and inspired by the actions of the figures raising them. Most children would closely pay attention and learn from their parents who have good intentions and want what is best for their children. That can be a good thing or a bad thing. The characters of Malcolm and Porter are able to illustrate the theme of different toxic male models in society.
All of the performances are equally incredible from Azoroh, Anderson, Rhodes, and Hall. There is a notable tension between Rhodes and Anderson that builds between them throughout the film, as their emotions are high. Warren does a great job of setting up the characters and noting their unique and different flaws as the male figures in Darious’.
Hall also continues to be a young star to watch, after previously starring in Chinonye Chukwu’s film Till. He steals the show, and Warren lets Hall shine in each scene.
Warren does a great job of setting the film up for a discussion about the idea of male toxicity, but also for fatherhood, violence, bullying, class differences, and friendship. Also worth noting is that Warren brought on cinematographer Justin Derry, who heightens the film using overexposed lighting and a 4:3 aspect ratio. The film has a grainy look that helps capture the realism and the emotion Darious is feeling.
Warren’s independent film gives audiences a compelling story filled with tension that explores fatherhood and masculinity. It showcases an exceptional cast, and I’m sure this will not be the last audiences will get to see of Warren.
Score: 8/10
Bruiser is currently streaming on Hulu
You can read more from Kristin Ciliberto, or follow her on Twitter and Instagram