Our young men are sent to foreign lands to be killed , maimed, and living the rest of their days with intense mental trauma. The young women, children, and mothers of these men also suffer not knowing what to do. What do these bright promising lads receive after these tours? Nothing! This movie is a realistic look at the real after life of these soldiers who feel a noble duty to serve. Too bad those who they serve don't deserve the sacrifice. The lead is fantastic and so is the girl friend. BTW I am the mother of one of these boys. I know.
9 Reviews
Unconvincing
marshreed22 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
It is an unspoken rule that you don't disparage our nation's brave soldiers in any way, shape or form. Heck, Spam would be every mom's first choice for dinner if only the label depicted a smiling grunt waving the American flag. That said, any applause you hear for Geoff Ryan's "Fray" and protagonist Justin Williams is most likely being feigned.
Williams is a vet who returns stateside after five tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He finds himself in a small, depressed logging town. Clearly it's not his hometown so, other than his taking respite in the serene woodlands, we are left guessing why Williams chose to settle in the village from Deliverance.
With no rhyme or reason, Williams takes one class in the local community college. He begins a romance with his professor and shortly moves in with her. This is where the movie falls off the cliff.
In his first night with his love interest, Williams wakes up to a late night panic attack and leaves. What follows is a subtle montage of Williams wandering through the woods in the rain, sleeping in his truck, throwing himself in the mud and yet still showing up for job interviews as if he'd spent the night in a Courtyard Marriott.
After forty five minutes of wondering, "What will he do next?" the movie ends abruptly with a cliché phone call to his doting professor.
It is clear from the outset that Williams struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder. He's been to hell on earth and back; we get it. Unlike similar films, however, there are no flashbacks; only the sounds of gunshots and shells exploding inside Williams' head. In The Last Samurai, Tom Cruise recalls a black and white vision of his regiment as it prepares to slaughter Indian women and children. Cruise's feelings are powerful and palpable. Williams "moments" don't have nearly the same impact.
Despite the bare-bones plot, Bryan Kaplan plays the role well and the cinematography deserves special mention. I suppose Fray will satisfy cinephiles who enjoy character studies; for most others Fray will fall flat.
Williams is a vet who returns stateside after five tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He finds himself in a small, depressed logging town. Clearly it's not his hometown so, other than his taking respite in the serene woodlands, we are left guessing why Williams chose to settle in the village from Deliverance.
With no rhyme or reason, Williams takes one class in the local community college. He begins a romance with his professor and shortly moves in with her. This is where the movie falls off the cliff.
In his first night with his love interest, Williams wakes up to a late night panic attack and leaves. What follows is a subtle montage of Williams wandering through the woods in the rain, sleeping in his truck, throwing himself in the mud and yet still showing up for job interviews as if he'd spent the night in a Courtyard Marriott.
After forty five minutes of wondering, "What will he do next?" the movie ends abruptly with a cliché phone call to his doting professor.
It is clear from the outset that Williams struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder. He's been to hell on earth and back; we get it. Unlike similar films, however, there are no flashbacks; only the sounds of gunshots and shells exploding inside Williams' head. In The Last Samurai, Tom Cruise recalls a black and white vision of his regiment as it prepares to slaughter Indian women and children. Cruise's feelings are powerful and palpable. Williams "moments" don't have nearly the same impact.
Despite the bare-bones plot, Bryan Kaplan plays the role well and the cinematography deserves special mention. I suppose Fray will satisfy cinephiles who enjoy character studies; for most others Fray will fall flat.
It's Always the Quiet Ones...
nammage6 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I've seen several of these films over the years. They're not new. "First Blood" with Sylvester Stallone is one; heck that entire film series if all you're doing is focusing on John Rambo and not all the violent action. He was a lonely guy who wanted to be left alone or be somewhere quiet. He had the epitome of PTSD because he thought he could treat it himself; he didn't need anyone's help, and in their minds: if they didn't experience it themselves how could they help? Or, if they did experience it well...it's different, not the same because this is "my" experience etc., All of them are like that. All the films on the subject but none of them actually address the problem or attempt to relay an answer; just how this individual handled it and apparently they all handle it basically the same. Now, whether that's based on reality, or not, I really wouldn't know but to survive hell you have to be a tough person and tough people want to help they don't want any help. They're the heroes, no one else. Sure, they're there for their brothers and sisters but that's different because in that respect: they're one and the same. That's the overall message I've gotten from films such as this. And does it matter? Depends on who you are, I would expect.
I'm more of a technical rater than one who puts much stock in the emotional quality etc., of a film; so, most my ratings are based on technical things. On a technical level it's average in parts and below average in other parts. This film is like you're the student in the community college course the main character plays, in the sense that you're talking about a nonsensical topic that only applies to a few. This film only applies to a few. Who those few are, I have no idea. It's not, in my opinion, for soldiers because they know it already, they've seen and heard it before. It means nothing to the vast majority of them even if they can relate. Someone here stated this film is a "character study". I totally disagree. A character study studies the different qualities and characterizations of an individual person. The main character has one quality shown. Sure, you could say when he's alone he's more angry and violent while in public he's calm and collect (mostly). That's just a façade, a guise, a mask and we all wear them from time to time. The idea is whether he, or any of us, can actually remove the mask and keep it off. Sadly, that's rare.
The film is okay, overall. It's not exciting, humorous, or even emotional in some senses. Everyone is moving like the wind hitting a tree (some parts move a little but basically remains in place) and as almost always: there's nothing new here. It's relatable to those who've experienced some type of extreme trauma in their lives (war, abuse, police/fire etc.,) but to everyone else (and probably most of them) it's more of a borefest. It doesn't necessarily use 'quiet' to its benefit.
I'm more of a technical rater than one who puts much stock in the emotional quality etc., of a film; so, most my ratings are based on technical things. On a technical level it's average in parts and below average in other parts. This film is like you're the student in the community college course the main character plays, in the sense that you're talking about a nonsensical topic that only applies to a few. This film only applies to a few. Who those few are, I have no idea. It's not, in my opinion, for soldiers because they know it already, they've seen and heard it before. It means nothing to the vast majority of them even if they can relate. Someone here stated this film is a "character study". I totally disagree. A character study studies the different qualities and characterizations of an individual person. The main character has one quality shown. Sure, you could say when he's alone he's more angry and violent while in public he's calm and collect (mostly). That's just a façade, a guise, a mask and we all wear them from time to time. The idea is whether he, or any of us, can actually remove the mask and keep it off. Sadly, that's rare.
The film is okay, overall. It's not exciting, humorous, or even emotional in some senses. Everyone is moving like the wind hitting a tree (some parts move a little but basically remains in place) and as almost always: there's nothing new here. It's relatable to those who've experienced some type of extreme trauma in their lives (war, abuse, police/fire etc.,) but to everyone else (and probably most of them) it's more of a borefest. It doesn't necessarily use 'quiet' to its benefit.
Veteran-Approved
sjbutler26 October 2016
I am a hard marker when it comes to military-related films. As a combat veteran myself, I can vouch for this one. Those who find it "unconvincing" are just naive to the reality of coming "home" after desperately hoping & fighting to get back, only to find no home left. To find that the sacrifice did not lead to more prosperous opportunities, that people don't understand you, and that even though it feels like everything has been taken from you, somehow you still miss the experience that made you feel so alive and on the edge. You miss your brothers. It's an incredibly difficult thing to transition back into society after surviving with a group of people holding so close to the heart this notion of your home, wherever that is, and making it back to realize it doesn't exist anymore. You aren't the same and you never will be. It's like a whole new, more f'ed up phase of mental hardships that blindsided you. And I could write a book.
There's the reality of this emotion and then there's the attempt to express it. So I want to give this movie real props for getting it close enough to keep my attention. In fact, I totally fell into it and related to many scenes. I reflected about myself and how I am towards others at times. I reflected about how much I've gone on these respites alone in nature, just walking and wanting to be alone. So I don't think I spoiled anything in this review that isn't suggested in a preview. I just needed to write a review for the first time ever because I feel like this film deserves credit. And Bryan Kaplan did a fantastic job. That is all.
There's the reality of this emotion and then there's the attempt to express it. So I want to give this movie real props for getting it close enough to keep my attention. In fact, I totally fell into it and related to many scenes. I reflected about myself and how I am towards others at times. I reflected about how much I've gone on these respites alone in nature, just walking and wanting to be alone. So I don't think I spoiled anything in this review that isn't suggested in a preview. I just needed to write a review for the first time ever because I feel like this film deserves credit. And Bryan Kaplan did a fantastic job. That is all.
So accurate it hurts!
peterdeuk24 May 2018
What a perfect depiction of the life of a PTSD sufferer, understated and intimate - I have never seen such a candid portrayal of the day-to-day strife post-trauma!
As a film it is beautifully directed and skilfully carried in virtual silence by Bryan Kaplan who is painfully insular and brooding, yet longing for connection and joys of the life he once had.
Really enjoyed watching it and found it completely cathartic!
As a film it is beautifully directed and skilfully carried in virtual silence by Bryan Kaplan who is painfully insular and brooding, yet longing for connection and joys of the life he once had.
Really enjoyed watching it and found it completely cathartic!
Exceptional low budget film making
samilpatel5 September 2018
Fray is a shining example of simple economical film making at it's finest.
In it's depiction of a former solider suffering from PTSD while trying to get his life back on track, Fray might not say anything new but it delivers its message with a raw authenticity lacking in much larger budgeted Hollywood productions dealing with similar subject matter.
The film really shines in two aspects. The cinematography is excellent and it is little surprise the cinematographer has subsequently moved onto much higher profile and presumably higher budgeted work.
Secondly and most importantly for such a intimate and character driven film is the performance of the lead. Brian Kaplan is incredibly naturalistic as Justin the returning solider. I haven't been as impressed with a lead performance for some time and am surprised that this excellent film hasn't catapulted him into the spotlight. Hopefully if enough people see this film it will.
High recommended for all lovers of indie cinema.
In it's depiction of a former solider suffering from PTSD while trying to get his life back on track, Fray might not say anything new but it delivers its message with a raw authenticity lacking in much larger budgeted Hollywood productions dealing with similar subject matter.
The film really shines in two aspects. The cinematography is excellent and it is little surprise the cinematographer has subsequently moved onto much higher profile and presumably higher budgeted work.
Secondly and most importantly for such a intimate and character driven film is the performance of the lead. Brian Kaplan is incredibly naturalistic as Justin the returning solider. I haven't been as impressed with a lead performance for some time and am surprised that this excellent film hasn't catapulted him into the spotlight. Hopefully if enough people see this film it will.
High recommended for all lovers of indie cinema.
Puts you in the POV of a veteran struggling to achieve anything in the system
SamVanivray27 April 2020
Really puts you in the POV of a young injured veteran who is struggling to achieve literally anything in the United States system and on top of this he's a character who rejects anything he interprets as charity which is tragic. Disclosure: I am not a veteran, just a film fan who has worked with many military personnel.
Terrific, bold film!
csm10720009 March 2017
Director Geoff Ryan does a fine job with this quiet, observant character study. It's a slow and deliberate film that allows us to discover moments as the characters in the film do. Another plus is a terrific, understated yet bold performance by Bryan Kaplan as the angst filled protagonist. One of the joys of indie films is that they highlight character development through observance and raw honesty.
Very powerful. Very real.
latinfineart11 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I'm sure many will have a hard time with this movie and this story. It is very bare bones and it is very true to life. The film makers have done nothing to adorn the story. Nor have they attempted to give it a happy ending as you would see in so many similar films. The fact that it wasn't neatly resolved to me made it that much more authentic. We send our boys over to fight these useless wars. And then we're not prepared to take care of them when they come back a shattered version of their former selves. As a Native American saying goes, "It's easy to be brave when it's far away". That exemplifies the attitude of our ridiculous and cowardly politicians who get us into these conflicts without any concern for the men and women who bravely fight them. As far as I'm concerned, the US has not fought a Righteous War since World War II. One conflict after another that means virtually nothing, and ends up with virtually no end game, virtually no resolution. Bravo to Bryan Kaplan for this performance. Bravo said the gal who played his teacher. This was a very very good film. Very powerful. Don't be watching it if you're looking for entertainment. This film is not entertainment. This film is real life.
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