Brave the Dark: Full list of cast explored

Brave the Dark, a 2023 drama film directed by Damian Harris, tells the poignant story of a bond formed between a small-town teacher and a troubled teenager in 1980s Pennsylvania.

The film, which had its premiere at the Heartland International Film Festival, is inspired by the real-life experiences of Stan Deen, a high school teacher who became a guiding light for students at Garden Spot High School. The movie is set for a wider release in the United States on January 24, 2025.

Brave the Dark explores themes of resilience, redemption, and mentorship, brought to life by a talented ensemble cast. Brave the Dark features Jared Harris as Stan Deen and Nicholas Hamilton as Nate in the lead, with supporting actors like Jamie Harris, Sasha Bhasin, Will Price, Daisy Galvis, and Joey Cabrera.

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Cast list of Brave the Dark, explored

1) Jared Harris as Stan Deen

Jared Harris (Image via Getty)

Jared Harris plays Stan Deen, a compassionate and dedicated high school teacher who mentors Nate, a homeless teenager in Brave the Dark. Harris is best known for his critically acclaimed performances in projects like Chernobyl (2019), wherein he portrayed Valery Legasov, and The Crown (2016–2017), in which he played King George VI.

His ability to embody complex characters has earned him widespread recognition, including multiple Primetime Emmy nominations.

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2) Nicholas Hamilton as Nate

Nicholas Hamilton (Image via Getty)

Nicholas Hamilton stars as Nate, a homeless teenager living out of his car and struggling to find stability. Hamilton gained prominence for his role as Henry Bowers in It (2017) and its sequel, It Chapter Two (2019).

The Australian actor has also appeared in Captain Fantastic (2016) alongside Viggo Mortensen, earning praise for his compelling performances in emotionally driven roles. In Brave the Dark, Hamilton portrays Nate’s journey from despair to hope.

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3) Jamie Harris as Barney

Jamie Harris takes on the role of Barney, Nate’s parole officer in Brave the Dark. Jamie, who is the brother of Jared Harris and director Damian Harris, has carved out a successful career in film and television with appearances in projects like Carnivàle (2003–2005) and The Prestige (2006).

Known for playing morally ambiguous and gritty characters, Harris adds depth to Barney, a figure tasked with guiding Nate through the legal system while balancing empathy and authority.

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4) Sasha Bhasin as Tina

Sasha Bhasin (Image via Getty)

Sasha Bhasin plays Tina, Nate’s girlfriend, who provides emotional support as he navigates his struggles. While relatively new to the screen, Bhasin has steadily built a portfolio of roles in independent films and television projects.

For the unversed, Sasha Bhasin recently starred in the Netflix series XO, Kitty, where she played the character of a queer Indian.

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5) Daisy Galvis as the Judge

Daisy Galvis plays the judge overseeing Nate’s sentencing. Galvis has made appearances in a variety of TV shows and films, often portraying strong and authoritative figures. Her work includes roles in independent films and series like American Rust and Servant, where she has honed her craft in delivering performances that command attention.

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6) Joey Cabrera as Jim Baxter

Joey Cabrera (Image via Getty)

Joey Cabrera appears as Jim Baxter, Tina’s father in the film. Cabrera has previously acted in supporting roles across independent dramas and short films like It Comes at Night (2019), showcasing his ability to convey complex emotions. In Brave the Dark, he takes on a challenging role as a father figure, providing insight into the ripple effects of family dynamics on young individuals like Nate.

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What is Brave the Dark about?

Brave the Dark is a poignant drama film set in 1980s Pennsylvania, centered around the unlikely bond between Stan Deen, a compassionate high school teacher, and Nate, a homeless teenager struggling to find his place in the world.

As Nate faces the challenges of living out of his car and dealing with a troubled past, Stan steps in to guide him, offering mentorship, support, and a sense of belonging. The film portrays themes of resilience, redemption, and the transformative power of human connection, showcasing how one person’s kindness can alter the course of another’s life.

The film's synopsis on IMDb reads:

"Haunted by torturous childhood memories, Nate Williams finds himself engulfed in darkness. When his drama teacher, Mr. Deen bails him out of jail and takes him in, Nate must confront his past before it leads to his own destruction."

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Interested viewers can watch the movie exclusively on Angel Studios' website.