Brightburn - Film Review

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Brightburn (2019) is a horror/superhero film directed by David Yarovesky and produced by James Gunn. It stars Jackson A. Dunn as Brandon Breyer, a young boy with superhuman abilities, alongside Elizabeth Banks and David Denman as his adoptive parents. The film is a dark subversion of the Superman origin story, asking the question: What if a child from another world arrived on Earth, but instead of becoming a hero, he turned into a force of destruction?

The film follows Tori (Elizabeth Banks) and Kyle Breyer (David Denman), a married couple in Brightburn, Kansas, who have been struggling to conceive a child. One night, a mysterious alien spacecraft crashes near their farm, carrying an infant boy. They decide to adopt the child, naming him Brandon.

For the first 12 years of his life, Brandon appears to be a normal, intelligent child. However, as he reaches puberty, he begins exhibiting signs of aggression and discovers his superhuman abilities, including flight, super strength, and heat vision. Unlike Superman, who chooses to use his powers for good, Brandon gradually becomes violent and starts embracing his darker instincts.

His descent into villainy includes:
- Killing a classmate’s mother after she bans her daughter from seeing him.
- Attacking his father, who realizes Brandon is dangerous and tries to stop him.
- Murdering his mother, despite her last attempt to reason with him.
- Destroying an airplane, killing everyone aboard to cover up his crimes.

The film ends ominously, as Brandon fully embraces his dark identity, causing mass destruction while the world begins to take notice of the "Brightburn monster."

Unlike Superman, who was raised with strong moral values, Brandon lacks the empathy or ethical foundation to use his powers for good. The film explores the idea that absolute power corrupts absolutely, suggesting that without the right guidance, even an innocent child could become a monster.

A key question in Brightburn is whether Brandon was always destined to become evil, or if his environment failed him. Despite being raised by loving parents, Brandon seems predisposed toward violence, reinforcing a nihilistic view that some individuals are simply born evil.

Tori, in particular, refuses to believe her son is dangerous until it is too late. This reflects real-world cases where parents fail to recognize the warning signs of disturbed children, leading to tragic consequences.

Brandon's origin closely mirrors Superman’s, but instead of being a saviour, he becomes a destroyer. The film critiques the assumption that super-powered individuals would automatically choose heroism, highlighting how morality is not an inherent trait but a learned one.

Brandon's transformation aligns with puberty, a period of intense physical and emotional change. In this case, his powers are an exaggerated metaphor for teenage rebellion, alienation, and unchecked aggression.



Brandon Breyer (Jackson A. Dunn): Brandon starts as a quiet, intelligent child but gradually reveals his lack of empathy. Jackson A. Dunn delivers a chilling performance, portraying Brandon as both unsettlingly emotionless and terrifyingly powerful. His transition from awkward pre-teen to merciless killer is seamless, making him a truly disturbing villain.

Tori Breyer (Elizabeth Banks): Tori is a well-meaning but ultimately naive mother who refuses to accept the truth about her son. Banks brings emotional depth to the role, making her denial and ultimate realization all the more tragic. Her final scene, where she tries to reason with Brandon before he kills her, is one of the most heartbreaking moments in the film.

Kyle Breyer (David Denman): Kyle is more sceptical than Tori and eventually recognizes that Brandon is a threat. His decision to try and kill his own son speaks to his desperation, but it ultimately proves futile. His brutal death at Brandon’s hands underscores the hopelessness of the situation.

Supporting Cast: The film’s side characters, including Brandon’s classmates, his aunt and uncle, and local law enforcement, serve primarily as victims in his escalating reign of terror. Their deaths further establish his lack of remorse and growing ruthlessness.

Brightburn employs dark, moody cinematography with a focus on shadows and dim lighting to create a sense of dread. The colour red is used frequently to symbolize Brandon’s transformation into a villain, particularly in his homemade mask and glowing eyes.

Graphic depictions of violence, such as a woman pulling glass from her eye or a jaw being shattered. The growing realization that Brandon is unstoppable and devoid of human compassion. Used effectively but sparingly, ensuring that they contribute to the atmosphere rather than feeling cheap.

The film’s use of CGI is restrained but effective, particularly in scenes showcasing Brandon’s abilities, such as his high-speed flight and laser vision. The practical effects, especially in the more gruesome kills, add to the film’s realism and horror.

Man of Steel (2013) vs. Brightburn: Both films explore the alien-child-on-Earth premise, but while Man of Steel portrays Superman as a noble protector, Brightburn shows what happens when power is left unchecked.

The destruction in Brightburn mirrors Man of Steel's city-wide battles, but here it feels more personal and terrifying.

Chronicle (2012) vs. Brightburn: Chronicle also depicts a troubled teenager gaining superpowers, but while its protagonist initially struggles with morality, Brandon embraces his darkness without hesitation. Chronicle presents a more psychological approach to power, whereas Brightburn is pure horror.

The Omen (1976) vs. Brightburn: Both films deal with a seemingly innocent child who is, in reality, a force of destruction. Brightburn takes a more science-fiction approach, while The Omen is rooted in supernatural horror.

A unique blend of horror and superhero genres. Chilling performance by Jackson A. Dunn. Effective use of tension and atmosphere. Brutal, impactful kills that enhance the horror.

Limited character development beyond Brandon and his parents. Some predictable horror tropes. The ending, while chilling, may feel abrupt or unsatisfying for some.

Brightburn is a bold and unsettling deconstruction of the superhero mythos, offering a terrifying glimpse into what happens when power is placed in the wrong hands. While it may not be for everyone due to its bleak tone and graphic violence, it stands out as a unique entry in both the horror and superhero genres.

With its open-ended conclusion, the film hints at a larger universe, leaving audiences to wonder: What happens when an unstoppable force has no intention of being good?

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