The story of an adolescent, struggling to care for his disabled brother is the focus of Chris Dundon's Bro. Trying to adapt to life in a new town while managing to care for his brother Mark, leaves Simon in a horrible position: either abandon his duty toward his brother or suffer miserably inside every summer day, locked away from society. Simon's daily routine is altered upon meeting a store cashier named Gemma. In public, Simon conceals the fact that he even knows his brother in an attempt to gain attraction with the younger crowd. Simon's internal struggle becomes a reality in a loud confrontation with his mother, who encourages him to face his situation and accept it for what it is. That, of course, is easier said than done...
Chris Dundon's story is not only relevant, but incredibly natural and real. The young cast was brilliant without managing to be melodramatic. It is clear through specific scenes, emphasized with little to no dialogue, that both brothers share a specific bond. I was particularly fond of the scenes that occurred on the bus. Perhaps one of the greatest qualities of Dundon's film is the cinematography. The handheld film style allows the audience to feel as if they are a part of the picture. The characters of Mark and Simon are well-developed with extremely real and raw emotions. Gemma's character is also a refreshing aspect of the film.
Overall, Bro was a moving film. The ending didn't feel rushed or incomplete. I was particularly impressed with the young cast. The dialogue felt authentic, and the setting of the film served as a wonderful backdrop to a powerful story. I could not find any negative things to say about this film, except for that fact that I didn't want it to end. In my opinion, this film could easily be expanded to a feature film length.
