“I have had a passion for making movies for as long as I can remember. I believe in writing what you know, and what do we know better than our own story?,” says screenwriter Nate Deen of Brave the Dark, a poignant reminder of what truly matters in life: kindness, understanding, and resilience.
Brave the Dark is inspired by the true story of Stan Deen, a compassionate high school teacher, and his transformative relationship with a troubled teenager named Nate. The film delves into the impact of mentorship, resilience, and the power of empathy in overcoming personal struggles. Stan Deen’s unwavering support and belief in Nate helped him navigate through his dark past and find hope for a better future.
The story champions the idea of standing up for the underdog. It’s a theme we all can relate to—whether it’s in our communities, schools, or workplaces. Brave the Dark reminds us that being a hero doesn’t always mean wearing a cape. Sometimes, it’s about standing beside someone who feels invisible and letting them know they’re not alone.
The story, set in 1980s rural Pennsylvania, is based on true events and explores the transformative relationship between a compassionate high school teacher, Stan Deen, and a troubled teenager, Nate. Stan discovers that Nate has been living out of his car and decides to bail him out, offering him a place to stay and helping him graduate high school. As their relationship develops, Stan becomes increasingly involved in uncovering the dark secrets of Nate’s past, which include witnessing a tragic murder-suicide involving his parents.
The story highlights the importance of small acts of kindness and the profound difference they can make in someone’s life. It serves as a reminder that everyone has the potential to make a positive impact on others, even in the face of adversity.
One of the film’s most profound messages is the importance of getting to know someone’s story. Brave the Dark reminds us that understanding breeds empathy. When we take the time to truly listen to others and understand their experiences, barriers begin to break down, and we see the humanity in one another.
True Heroism Is Selfless
Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from Brave the Dark is this: a true hero is someone who gives without expecting anything in return. In a culture that often celebrates self-interest, the film serves as a timely reminder of the quiet strength in selflessness.
Based on a true story, Brave The Dark powerfully portrays the transformation of a 1980s small-town teacher as he is drawn into the mysterious past of a student suddenly arrested outside his classroom. Long sustained by a quiet belief that no student is a lost cause, Stan Deen (Jared Harris, Chernobyl, Mad Men)) discovers the profound and direct impact he can have on another life. But as Stan attempts to figure out how troubled, secretive Nate (Nicholas Hamilton, Captain Fantastic, It) wound up living alone in his car, without any family, their relationship will test his deepest convictions and become a life-changing journey through doubt and betrayal towards trust and redemption.
Director Damian Harris shares his thoughts on the film
The film clearly benefited from having Nate there. It was helpful for me personally to have Nate as the touchstone. I think it was an emotional experience for him at times. He was essential in setting up the infrastructure, such as the Garden Spot School where Nate went to and Stan taught, getting us access to filming in the school and many of the locations. It was all hands on deck, pulling together.
We were making a period film with two timelines: one set in 1985 and the other in 1973. That was a lot to do. He was instrumental in getting as many resources out of the community as he could. Derek Dienner, the producer – without whom there would be no film – gathered the community together, brought them in to raise the money for the film. It was the epitome of an independent movie in that it had no money from the industry whatsoever. It was a ‘little train that could’ type production.
Harris mentioned that having Nate involved in the production was emotionally significant. Nate served as a touchstone for the film, helping to ensure the authenticity of the story. Harris noted that it was an emotional experience for Nate at times, but his presence was invaluable in setting up the infrastructure for the film, such as gaining access to filming locations like the Garden Spot School where Nate attended and Stan taught.
Nate Deen shares his thoughts on the film
When Nate was 17, he found himself in a courtroom standing in front of a judge. If he didn’t straighten out, the judge said, Nate would be spending the next 10 years in jail. Thirty years later, Nate was back in front of a judge: this time, to change his last name from Busko to Deen, to honor Stan, who died in 2016 after suffering a stroke.
Nate and Stan had discussed telling their story before Stan passed away — and, with writer John Spencer, worked on a script. Nate told Spencer his story and after hearing it, Spencer went home and immediately began work on the script.
Spencer and Nate continued work on the script and eventually sent it out to Hollywood. They didn’t get a response. Then, one day, a movie producer from Inspiring Films was at Sight & Sound, and randomly inquired if anyone happened to know anyone with a good story. Nate’s name came up.
Grant Bradley, one of the producers for Inspiring Films, was working out in London and actually moved to Lancaster for a while. After the COVID-19 pandemic began, Bradley, out of convenience, decided to partner with Make/Films. Now, the two companies will produce the film.
The script has gone through a few changes, and other script writers have gotten involved to flesh out the story. They have the challenge of condensing a narrative that spans 30-years into two hours, but Spencer will receive the screenwriting credit.
honour“I don’t want to do this project for credits, or money or fame or any of that stuff,” Nate says. “I’m doing this because I want to tell Stan’s story and the Lancaster County story. I can never repay Stan, but this is my honor to show what type of man he was.”
“A small act of kindness changed my whole trajectory. I’m the person I am because of him, and the things that I’m doing moving forward are because of him and the things that he did for me. He never gave up on me. He always encouraged me. What an honour, to change my name, to have a real name that feels like mine…to be Nate Deen; I’m proud of that. I’m just so excited to get this story out into the world, even though it’s very difficult at times. It’s an important story that I think the world needs to hear.”
INTERVIEW WITH SCREENWRITER NATE DEEN AND DIRECTOR DAMIAN HARRIS
READ MORE ABOUT THE NATE DEEN FOUNDATION
The screenplay for Brave The Dark was written by Dale G. Bradley, Lynn Robertson-Hay, Nathaniel Deen, John P. Spencer, and Damian Harris
- Dale G. Bradley is a film and television producer, director, and screenwriter. He has worked on various projects, including “Lost Valley,” “Terror Peak,” and “The Lovers.” Dale has established one of New Zealand’s largest film production companies, Daybreak Pacific, and is now active in Queensland, Australia, with his production company, Limelight International.
- Lynn Robertson-Hay is a writer and actress known for her work on “The Impact,” “Brave the Dark,” and the TV series “Doctors.” She has also written over 15 professional theatre productions and won the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain award for Best Children’s Theatre in 1995 for her stage adaptation of “The Borrowers”
- Nathaniel Deen is a screenwriter and producer whose personal story inspired the film Brave the Dark. He has faced significant challenges in his life, including homelessness and trauma, but found hope and support through the mentorship of Stan Deen. Nathaniel’s journey is a testament to the power of compassion and resilience.
- John P. Spencer is a writer, director, and assistant director known for his work on “Frayed,” “High Stakes,” and “Den of Lions.” He has contributed to various film projects and has a background in storytelling and filmmaking.
- Damian Harris is a British film director and screenwriter. He is the son of the famous actor Richard Harris and socialite Elizabeth Rees-Williams. Damian has two brothers, Jared Harris and Jamie Harris, who are also actors. Damian Harris began his career in the film industry in the 1980s. He is known for directing and writing several films, including “The Rachel Papers” (1989), “Deceived” (1991), and “Gardens of the Night” (2008). His work often explores complex human relationships and emotional struggles. In addition to his work in film, Damian Harris has also directed television episodes and documentaries. He continues to be an influential figure in the film industry, known for his unique storytelling and ability to capture the intricacies of human emotions.
