When you hear the concept behind Brightburn, and then you discover the mind behind the movie magic, you probably will not be shocked in the least. Guardians of the Galaxy mastermind James Gunn serves as the producer of the film (which is out now on DVD, Blu-Ray and digital download formats) that comes from writers (and close relatives) Brian Gunn and Mark Gunn. Yup, it’s a family affair!
The storyline is a wildly creative take on the Superman legend. Brandon Breyer (Jackson A. Dunn) arrives on earth as a baby when his interstellar vehicle crash lands in the vast farmland of a couple who have wanted a child for years, but for whatever reason could not make it happen. Tori Breyer (Elizabeth Banks) and Kyle Breyer (David Denman) believe that Brandon’s arrival is literally a gift from the heavens. As we meet the young man as the film commences, he is probably around 11 years old and the “adopted” son of Tori and Kyle is discovering that he is a little different than his classmates and peers. See, he has some supernatural gifts that are starting to emerge as strongly as his puberty-based physical alterations.
Thing is … Brandon is finding great joy in using his powers in a manner that is not heroic in the least. In fact, as Brightburn progresses from its first act to second act, the young man is discovering devilish delight in dishing out his brand of justice that firmly places him more on the villain scale of supernatural gifts than heroic. That, well … that is going to be an issue and when it all comes to a head, no one is safe—not even his parents.
How this is all handled and laid out in director David Yarovesky’s narratively is strongly thought out and done so in a manner that is wildly unique and welcomed in this era of sequels, remakes and the like. Wildly original plots and films are at a premium these days and yes, Brightburn borrows heavily from the Superman storyline, but by wondering what if the same thing happened and the baby that crash landed on earth with superhero powers used those gifts for evil instead of good. The film asks and answers all kinds of questions and does so in a manner that also puts the onus on parents and has those of us with children wondering what we would do if placed in a situation such as the one that has the family grappling with ethical issues concerning their son and what he is doing to their friends, neighbors and fellow townspeople.
I particularly treasured how mom and dad have different views on how to handle their son, all while his evil ways tended to get more and more serious. It’s a fascinating study in parenting, ethics and it is all interwoven into a supernatural narrative that also raises many questions about nature versus nurture with a fresh spin that could not be more innovative.
For more on the film itself, don’t miss my theatrical Brightburnreview.
Bonus features delve further into the concept, as well as some fantastic looks at the making of Brightburn and priceless insight from the cast and crew.
Several “Quick Burns” Vignettes are hosted by Banks, Gun and Yarovesky. The Hero-Horror! illustrates the wickedly creative effort that finds filmmakers combining two genres of film that rarely go together—superhero flicks and the horror milieu. Hearing directly from producer Gunn and screenwriters Brian and Mark Gunn is a fascinating look at how this blending of genres worked so well and the inspiring elements that fueled their creative fire.
Next up, Nature vs. Nurture further goes into the aspect of the film that I found most interesting and entertaining (as I mentioned earlier!). The thespian tasked with portraying this kid, Dunn, as well as all three Gunns, explore the creative effort that was utilized to turn the superhero genre so-called bullet points completely on its head. Viewers learn what all involved believe is what drives the character of Breyer—especially as he firmly embraces his evil ways and eventually abandons all of the lessons his parents taught him about right and wrong. Hero-Horror! is the last of the trio of titanic featurettes and shines a light on Superhero motifs and how they were simultaneously the inspiration for how this story was laid out and also served as the means for doing the opposite of what Superhero flicks do and how greatness was achieved in the process.
The audio commentary track features Yarovesky, cinematographer Michael Dallatorre and Costume Designer Autumn Steed. As such, viewers are treated to the most unique of looks at the making-of the film as you are enjoying its visual and emotional thrill ride. It is a gift of a commentary track that can not be recommended enough.
Film Grade: B
Bonus Features: A-