Brightburn review: From Hero to Horror

The movie begins by introducing us to the Breyer family, living in the quaint town of Brightburn, Kansas. Tori (Elizabeth Banks) and Kyle (David Denman) are a loving couple struggling to conceive a child. One fateful night, their lives take a dramatic turn when they discover a mysterious spaceship crashed near their farm. Inside the wreckage, they find a baby boy, whom they decide to adopt and name Brandon (Jackson A. Dunn).

As the years pass, Brandon grows into a seemingly normal child, but on his twelfth birthday, he begins to experience strange occurrences. Initially, he dismisses them as coincidences, but soon, these events escalate into something more sinister. Brandon starts hearing voices whispering in an alien language, urging him to take control and fulfill a dark purpose.

Brandon’s superhuman abilities start to manifest, revealing incredible strength, invulnerability, and the ability to fly. At first, he uses his powers innocently, performing awe-inspiring feats for his parents and classmates. However, as he approaches adolescence, the voices in his head become more dominant, leading him to embrace a malevolent side.

Tori and Kyle initially struggle to accept the truth about their adoptive son’s transformation. Tori, in particular, desperately clings to the belief that Brandon is still their beloved child, refusing to accept the darkness that has consumed him.

As Brandon’s powers intensify, he begins to abuse them, causing fear and chaos in the town. He terrorizes his schoolmates and inflicts harm on those he perceives as threats. The film highlights the psychological turmoil Brandon experiences as he struggles to control his powers and emotions.

Discovering a spaceship hidden in the barn, Tori and Kyle learn more about Brandon’s extraterrestrial origins. The spaceship contains disturbing drawings of violent and malevolent imagery, hinting at the influence of an alien force on Brandon’s actions.

Tensions escalate when Brandon’s aunt, who was investigating the strange incidents surrounding him, discovers the truth and confronts him. In a chilling turn of events, Brandon uses his heat vision to kill her, solidifying his descent into darkness.

Fearing for their lives and the safety of others, Tori and Kyle try to confront Brandon and limit his powers by locking him in the barn. However, Brandon retaliates by attacking his father, brutally injuring him.

Tori seeks help from the sheriff, hoping to contain the situation, but the authorities are ill-equipped to handle a being with superpowers. Brandon’s rampage continues as he targets those who might expose him or stand in his way, including classmates and the sheriff.

In a heart-wrenching scene, Brandon confronts Tori, revealing his true nature and sinister intentions. Despite her pleas and maternal instincts, he kills her, leaving her best friend as his final target.

In the film’s climax, Kyle arms himself with Brandon’s spaceship, believing it might be the key to stopping his adoptive son. However, the confrontation proves deadly, as Brandon uses his powers to overpower and defeat him.

As the movie ends, the town is left in chaos, with the authorities unable to contain Brandon’s malevolence. The final scenes imply that Brandon is not alone in his evil, hinting at the potential emergence of more sinister beings.

In conclusion, the plot of ‘Brightburn’ offers a dark and chilling narrative that explores the consequences of a child with superpowers embracing evil instead of becoming a hero. It navigates psychological complexities, parental struggles, and the corrupting influence of power, delivering a suspenseful and thought-provoking experience for audiences.

Character Analysis

1. Brandon Breyer (Jackson A. Dunn):

Brandon is the central character of the film and the focus of its character analysis. At the beginning of the story, he appears as an ordinary and unassuming child, unaware of his true origins and the immense powers lying dormant within him. As he approaches adolescence, he starts to exhibit superhuman abilities that include super strength, invulnerability, and the power of flight.

The most compelling aspect of Brandon’s character is his transformation from an innocent and curious boy to a malevolent force. The film portrays this descent into darkness with subtlety and nuance, giving viewers insight into the psychological turmoil he experiences. Brandon’s struggle with his identity, amplified by the alien voices in his head, raises questions about the influence of nature versus nurture and the potential for evil to be inherent in individuals.

2. Tori Breyer (Elizabeth Banks):

Tori is Brandon’s adoptive mother, and her character undergoes significant development throughout the film. At first, she is portrayed as a caring and nurturing figure, delighted to have finally become a mother after struggling with infertility. As she begins to witness the changes in Brandon’s behavior, she is torn between her love for her son and the growing realization of his malevolence.

Elizabeth Banks delivers a compelling performance, showcasing Tori’s emotional struggle as she grapples with the horrifying truth about her adopted son. Her maternal instincts conflict with the fear of the danger Brandon poses to her family and the town, resulting in a deeply emotional and complex character arc.

3. Kyle Breyer (David Denman):

Kyle is Brandon’s adoptive father, and his character also experiences a significant transformation as the plot unfolds. Initially, he is depicted as a protective and caring father, trying to be a positive male role model for Brandon. However, as Brandon’s malevolence becomes evident, Kyle’s attempts to contain and control him strain his relationship with his son.

David Denman portrays Kyle’s emotional journey with authenticity, showing the internal conflict between his love for Brandon and the fear of what he has become. As a father, he struggles to accept the horrifying truth about his son, leading to a heartbreaking and poignant portrayal.

4. Supporting Characters:

While the primary focus is on Brandon and his adoptive parents, the film includes supporting characters who play significant roles in the narrative. These characters include Brandon’s aunt, Merilee (Meredith Hagner), who becomes suspicious of his behavior, and Noah (Matt Jones), a family friend who adds a touch of comic relief.

However, the supporting characters are relatively underdeveloped, with limited screen time and exploration of their motivations and backgrounds. While this allows the film to maintain its focus on Brandon and his adoptive family, it leaves some relationships feeling less fleshed out.

Conclusion:

The character analysis of ‘Brightburn’ reveals its strength in portraying complex and multidimensional characters. Brandon Breyer’s transformation from an innocent child to a malevolent force is the film’s core element, exploring themes of power, identity, and the potential for evil within us all. Elizabeth Banks and David Denman’s performances as Tori and Kyle add emotional depth to the narrative, effectively depicting the internal struggles faced by parents grappling with their son’s dark destiny.

While the supporting characters receive less attention, ‘Brightburn’ succeeds in delivering a compelling character-driven narrative that explores the psychological complexities of its protagonist and the impact of his choices on those around him.

Horror Elements

1. Atmosphere and Tension: ‘Brightburn’ skillfully crafts an eerie and tense atmosphere that permeates the film. From the outset, the movie establishes an unsettling ambiance, using visual cues, lighting, and sound design to create an environment that keeps viewers on edge. The rural setting of Brightburn, Kansas, serves as the backdrop for the escalating horror, amplifying the feeling of isolation and vulnerability.

2. Jump Scares and Suspense: The film employs jump scares effectively to startle and engage the audience. These moments of sudden shock are often accompanied by unsettling visuals or eerie sound cues. The suspense builds steadily as the narrative unfolds, leaving viewers anticipating when the next terrifying moment will occur.

3. Graphic Violence and Gore: ‘Brightburn’ doesn’t shy away from depicting graphic violence and gore. As Brandon’s powers turn him into a malevolent force, he inflicts gruesome and brutal harm on those around him. The visceral and realistic portrayal of violence adds to the horror experience and reinforces the darker themes of the film.

4. Body Horror and Disturbing Imagery: The movie incorporates elements of body horror, with scenes that emphasize the disturbing transformation of characters due to Brandon’s actions. The spaceship, hidden in the Breyer barn, contains drawings of violent and malevolent imagery, hinting at the influence of an alien force on Brandon’s behavior.

5. Psychological Terror: Beyond physical violence, ‘Brightburn’ taps into psychological horror. Brandon’s descent into darkness is depicted as a psychological struggle, punctuated by his interactions with the alien voices in his head. This psychological torment adds depth to the horror elements by exploring the internal conflicts of the main character.

6. Subverting Expectations: The film also uses horror elements to subvert audience expectations. By blending the superhero and horror genres, it challenges viewers to confront the unsettling realization that a character typically associated with heroism can become the source of fear and terror.

7. Found Footage Style: The found footage style of cinematography contributes to the horror experience by immersing viewers in the events of the film. This style creates a sense of immediacy and realism, making the horror moments feel more personal and intense.

8. Sound Design and Music: The sound design plays a crucial role in building tension and enhancing the horror atmosphere. Eerie sounds, unsettling whispers, and discordant music cues contribute to the sense of unease, guiding viewers’ emotions throughout the film.

Conclusion:

The horror elements in ‘Brightburn’ are integral to its storytelling, amplifying the tension, fear, and unease experienced by both the characters and the audience. By skillfully blending horror with the superhero genre, the film offers a unique and chilling viewing experience that leaves a lasting impact. From jump scares and graphic violence to psychological terror and unsettling imagery, ‘Brightburn’ masterfully crafts a narrative that immerses viewers in a world of darkness and malevolence.

Cinematography and Visuals

1. Visual Aesthetics and Lighting: The film’s visual style captures the rural setting of Brightburn, Kansas, with an emphasis on natural lighting and earthy tones. The use of warm, muted colors during daytime scenes contrasts with the darker and more ominous colors employed as the horror elements intensify. This visual contrast enhances the film’s ability to shift from seemingly ordinary to menacing.

2. Found Footage Style: ‘Brightburn’ employs a found footage style of cinematography, enhancing the sense of realism and immediacy. The handheld camera work and shaky cam technique create an intimate and immersive experience for viewers, making them feel like witnesses to the unfolding events. This style also aligns with the horror genre’s tradition of creating an unsettling and raw atmosphere.

3. Point of View Shots: The cinematography frequently employs point of view shots, allowing the audience to see events from the characters’ perspectives. This technique heightens tension and suspense, as viewers are placed directly in the characters’ shoes, sharing their fear and vulnerability.

4. Wide Shots and Framing: The film uses wide shots to establish the environment and provide a sense of scale, often showcasing the expansive Kansas landscape. This technique creates a contrast between the peaceful exterior and the horrors that transpire within. Effective framing draws attention to significant details, building anticipation and enhancing the impact of horror sequences.

5. Visual Effects and Superpowers: The visual effects in ‘Brightburn’ are impressive, showcasing Brandon’s superhuman abilities with realism. The scenes depicting his flights, strength, and use of heat vision are seamlessly integrated into the film. The visual effects contribute to the immersion and believability of the story, enhancing the horror and suspense.

6. Graphic Imagery: The cinematography doesn’t shy away from depicting graphic and disturbing imagery, particularly in scenes involving violence and body horror. This deliberate choice to show the consequences of Brandon’s malevolence adds to the horror experience and underscores the film’s darker themes.

7. Cinematic Homages: The film pays homage to classic horror films through its visual composition and framing. Some shots are reminiscent of iconic horror moments, contributing to the atmosphere and referencing the genre’s history.

8. Alien Symbolism: The visuals surrounding the spaceship hidden in the barn include intricate alien symbols and designs. These visuals create an otherworldly and mysterious atmosphere, enhancing the film’s science fiction and horror elements.

Conclusion:

The cinematography and visuals of ‘Brightburn’ play a crucial role in crafting its unsettling and immersive atmosphere. The found footage style adds authenticity and immediacy, while the use of lighting, framing, and point of view shots enhances the horror experience. The visual effects seamlessly integrate superpowers into the narrative, showcasing Brandon’s abilities with impressive realism. The deliberate inclusion of graphic imagery and cinematic homages contributes to the film’s impact and aligns with its dark and intense tone. Overall, the cinematography and visuals of ‘Brightburn’ contribute to its unique blend of horror and superhero storytelling

Themes and Symbolism

1. Nature vs. Nurture: One of the central themes of ‘Brightburn’ is the age-old debate of nature versus nurture. The film raises questions about whether Brandon’s malevolence is a result of his innate nature as an alien being or if his upbringing in a loving family contributed to his descent into darkness. This theme prompts viewers to consider the influence of genetics and environment on human behavior and choices.

2. Power and Corruption: The theme of power and corruption is prevalent throughout the film. Brandon’s superhuman abilities give him immense power, which he uses to fulfill his sinister desires. This theme explores the idea that unchecked power can corrupt even the seemingly innocent, reflecting the famous quote “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

3. Identity and Adolescence: Brandon’s journey into darkness is intertwined with his struggle for identity during adolescence. The film portrays his efforts to understand himself, his powers, and his purpose, echoing the real-life challenges of young people navigating the transition to adulthood. This theme adds depth to the character’s internal conflicts.

4. Good vs. Evil: ‘Brightburn’ challenges the binary notion of good and evil by exploring the gray area between them. Brandon’s transformation from a potential hero to a malevolent force blurs the lines between traditional heroism and villainy. This theme invites viewers to question the moral complexities within us all.

5. Parental Responsibility: The film examines the responsibilities of parents when raising a child with extraordinary abilities. Tori and Kyle grapple with their roles as caregivers and nurturers in the face of Brandon’s malevolence. This theme raises questions about how parents should respond when their child’s actions become a threat to others.

6. Alien Symbolism: The presence of the spaceship and the alien symbols within it serve as a symbol of the unknown and the mysterious. This symbolism reflects the unfamiliar territory of adolescence, identity, and the potential for darkness within. The alien symbols also emphasize Brandon’s otherworldly origins and his struggle to reconcile his alien nature with his human upbringing.

7. Subversion of Superhero Tropes: ‘Brightburn’ subverts traditional superhero tropes by exploring the darker aspects of superhuman abilities. This theme challenges the typical narrative of heroes using their powers for the greater good and instead examines the consequences of choosing a path of malevolence.

8. Loss of Innocence: The film metaphorically represents the loss of innocence, as Brandon’s transformation shatters the idealized image of a child’s innocence. This theme mirrors the harsh realities of growing up and discovering the complexities of the world.

Conclusion:

The themes and symbolism in ‘Brightburn’ provide layers of depth and complexity to the film. From exploring the balance between nature and nurture to examining the consequences of power and the blurring lines between good and evil, the movie invites viewers to reflect on profound questions about human behavior, identity, and responsibility. The film’s use of alien symbols, along with its subversion of superhero tropes, adds to its thought-provoking and unsettling narrative. Overall, ‘Brightburn’ weaves together these themes and symbols to create a compelling and memorable exploration of the darker dimensions of the superhero genre.

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