Every year SXSW brings some iconic college movie that literally begs for a distributor. This year we have Will Canon's Brotherhood, a fresh take on the "˜family' aspect of college fraternities.
The film, which takes place over the course of one night, shows what all can happen when an innocent hazing episode goes ruthlessly wrong. Told to go into a convenient store and demand $19.10 at gunpoint, the new pledges aren't quite sure this is what they signed up for.
When one pulls down the mask and enters the store, they are greeted with a less than innocent clerk behind the counter who isn't afraid to fire back. From there things get sticky as the brothers begin to question their actions and attempt to save their "˜brother' while preserving the image of their frat.
Featuring a brilliant script by Doug Simon and director Will Canon, Brotherhood avoids the quicksand that usually accompanies films of this genre, bypassing the stereotypes and giving audiences a fun-filled experience through hell.
Jon Foster and Trevor Morgan serve as our leading stars, fully demanding your attention as they weave in and out of trouble. Their talent is impressive from the opening scene, leaving nothing on the table as they attempt to make everything right for all involved. However, it is the combined forces of the unusually large male-dominated cast that truly gives the film a cohesive tone.
With that said, the true heart of this film is its story. Filled with the usual "˜brothers stick together' motto, the film puts a unique spin on an age-old tale. And while you may think you know how it is all going to end, you will be shocked when the final reveal presents itself. Not only is it unexpected, but after you sit and think about what just happened , there really was no other way to provide effective closure.
Brotherhood is a film for the youth. It is a near realistic viewpoint of today's times, and will probably be a bit dramatic for those who went through the Greek system decades ago. It is fun, entertaining and downright brutal"”all of which comes together to form one of my favorite films at this year's SXSW Film Festival.
