By: Mariah Thomas
Photo By Matthew Pothier
Brian tells the story about the underdog while tackling themes of mental health. The titular character Brian feels things on a deeper scale but reflects our own inner thoughts. Though there is still relatability, Brian has the disadvantage of everyone being witness to “freakouts.” On top of juggling his emotions, Brian is faced with being in high school and all the trials and tribulations that follows. He is often outcasted from activities and groups and made to feel alone. Brian reminds us it is okay to feel our emotions in all of its complex forms.
Titular character Brian (Ben Wang) endures many (as he calls them) “freakouts.” These are moments he can’t control his emotional outburst which is a result of his brain trying to make sense of things. Being an outcast, he was ecstatic to audition for the school play. Compared to others, he went the extra mile for his audition. However, he ultimately does not get feedback on his performance. Brian pleads for any sort of reaction so he can begin to accept he won’t get a callback or possibly anticipate one. When his teacher still won’t give feedback, Brian has one of his freakouts. This promptly loses him the chance to be in the play though he gave a wonderful audition. In the midst of that chaos, he befriends a new student, Justin (Joshua Colley). Brian warns Justin that being his friend may make others weary, but he stays the course. Eventually, Brian has the idea to run for class president to spend more time with his teacher crush, played by Natalie Morales, and brings in Justin to be a campaign manager. In this process he has a stint of newfound popularity. Brian must now juggle this presidential race, his family life and so much more in this coming-of-age film.
Ben Wang shines in this film. In these moments of his emotions getting the best of him, there are times of seeing his character realize what is happening and being aware he can’t control it. You can’t help but feel for him on those occasions or potentially relate yourself. The entire cast fits together like a puzzle. Randall Park and Edi Patterson star in the film as Brian’s parents. They both offer something different to his wellbeing. William H. Macy is brought in as Brian’s therapist and makes for some of the funniest scenes in the film. A standout scene for me was between Brian and his brother, Kyle (Sam Song Li). Though he teases his younger brother throughout the film, there is this beautiful moment where he is genuinely concerned and drops all humor.
Brian is the feature directorial debut of actor Will Ropp. The film holds so much heart as it dissects an array of emotions. It does a brilliant job at balancing humor and giving light to the more serious subject matter at times. The movie is shot in a way that feels very reminiscent of early 2010’s coming of age films such as Perks of Being a Wallflower. The SXSW film is sure to become a quick favorite to many for that reason.
The movie Brian is a nostalgic, warm hug. Though, like any film, there is conflict yet it is done in a way that allows for full understanding. Viewers will sympathize and root for Brian as he moves his way through this journey. This comes with a high recommendation for me.