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Fray

2014 • 95 minutes
3.8
27 reviews
75%
Tomatometer
Eligible

About this movie

Just back from combat, Justin, a young U.S. Marine veteran - burdened by the physical and emotional scars of war - faces a new battle to find purpose in the mundane existence of civilian life during a time of national economic strife.

Justin's time is split between part-time studies at the local community college and working part-time hours at the local wood mill where his boss and Vietnam War veteran, Paul, offers to be a voice of support for Justin on the troubles of adjusting to life back home and co-workers invite him into their social lives.

At school, Justin finds friendship with Cheri, one of his teachers, which soon develops into romance. Cheri, new to town as well, sees in Justin a strong and intelligent man trapped by circumstances and self-doubt. The emotional toll of loss during the war shackles Justin's ability to open himself up to Cheri and the chasm between the experiences of his life and the experiences of those around him drives Justin to drop everything and disappear into the wilderness where he can be alone and free of all the pressures.

As Justin retreats from the pressures all around him and leaves to live in the woods, the film explores in visceral and unflinching detail the hardships Justin faces with homelessness and isolation. Through it all his determination for a reclaimed sense of purpose drives him to push on with every day a new mission to find himself.

Ratings and reviews

3.8
27 reviews
Spork Productions
October 23, 2014
"Handled with grit and authenticity by writer-director Geoff Ryan. Kaplan comes off so convincingly, it's not unfair to wonder if he's truly an actor (he is)." - Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times "★★★★" & "Emotionally intense” - Film Threat "This is what true independent film is capable of" - Patrick Hurley, Life in LA "People need to see this.” - Maj. Clifford Ehmke, MD, US Army "The sparseness is reminiscent of Steven Soderbergh, as is the purposeful, slow-building tension that hovers around Justin like a fog." - Shana Aguilar, Joonbug "Five stars … a gripping character piece" - Cultural Afterthoughts "The key within here is structure and making sure these relationships pay off in the end without conceding the need to spoon-feed. “Fray” does this beautifully contrasting the dark but brilliant forest backdrop with a sense of foreboding." - Inside Reel
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StupidGitSaysSo
October 23, 2014
The format has been designed to portray the disconnected thought processing associated with the reality that so many combat veterans experience. They have been trained for a single purpose but what happens when that 'purpose' ends? Admittedly, that response varies irregardless of 'support.' Note the attitude of responsibility and concern for those comrades still in action. 'Charity?' This is an aspect that I have always found of interest . . . for some of these men, self worth is defined by their ability to function within a unit in a combat situation. The 'fadeout' format allows time to fill in the missing time but it may be difficult for some viewers. For those who have some experience with veterans, this may add another dimension. If you are not knowledgeable, try to understand the reasons for the format. For those of us with experience the storyline will be familiar. Recommended for those with an interest in human behavior and in the realities facing combat veterans. To find FRAY 'boring' or the acting skills lacking just might mean that you do not understand the intent of this video. Notice the subtle colors and the rain drenched woods with it's fast moving cascading water a
2 people found this review helpful
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Carter Hall
July 4, 2014
Tried of crap homemade .movies with terrible camera and production. It had a decent story line. But I kept wait8ng for the porn. As thats what it felt like..just cheap. Our armed forces deserve better
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