Goat

Goat (2016) is an intense, unflinching drama that goes behind the curtain to shed light on the controversial and grueling world of fraternity hazing. This film is directed by Andrew Neel and is based on the memoir of the same name by Brad Land. The movie stars Ben Schnetzer, Nick Jonas, and Gus Halper, each of whom deliver compelling performances.

At the heart of the story is Brad Land (Ben Schnetzer), a 19-year-old college freshman who is trying to come to terms with a traumatic assault he experienced over the summer. His brother Brett, played by pop-star-turned-actor Nick Jonas, is a member of a prestigious fraternity on campus, and it’s here that an eager Brad hopes to find solace, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging by pledging his loyalty to the brotherhood.

Brad’s journey leads him on a path that soon confronts him with some hard-hitting realities. The fraternity's practices are revealed in a raw, uncompromising way, with daily rituals of drinking, partying and a notorious hazing week that becomes more intense as the days progress. These scenes are filled with a disquieting realism that stuns as much as it intrigues, offering a counter-narrative to typical portrayals of fraternity brotherhood on screen.

Ben Schnetzer’s performance as Brad is the linchpin of the film. With a stoic exterior belying his inner turmoil, Schnetzer displays a restrained yet strong intensity throughout the process of pledging and hazing, providing an unyielding portrayal of a young man dealing with significant trauma while being pushed to his limits. In the face of mounting peer pressure, and against the backdrop of the hostile fraternity environment, Brad's attempts to fit in and prove himself undergo a transformation.

Nick Jonas, known for his singing career with the Jonas Brothers, demonstrates considerable acting chops in his portrayal of Brett, bringing out the multidimensional character who is caught between fraternity loyalty and brotherly love. His compassion for Brad is effectively haired with his fierce loyalty to the fraternity system, sparking moments of heightened tension that are central to the narrative.

Gus Halper plays the role of Chance, the fraternity’s president. Beyond the veneer of his charisma, Chance's character is intricate as he negotiates his role as leader, enforcing cruel traditions while simultaneously grappling with the ethical implications of these practices. His performance lends a crucial grace note to the film’s commentary on the toxic masculinity inherent in the fraternity culture.

Apart from the performances, the technical aspects of the film are commendable. Andrew Neel’s direction is remarkable for its stark documentation of fraternity life, laying bare the brutal hazing rituals while simultaneously capturing the seemingly insurmountable peer pressure that the pledges face. The cinematography effectively juxtaposes the appealing facade of fraternity life with the harsh realities behind those closed doors. Also interesting is the film’s sound design where the contrasting sounds of fraternity life – from riotous parties to the haunting silences of the hazing rituals – serve as an immersive sonic landscape.

Still, Goat is more than just a critique of fraternity hazing. It taps into broader themes about masculinity, fraternity, and the effects of violence on young men's psyches. Moreover, the relationship between the two siblings provides a softer, more sensitive counterpoint to the harsh realities of fraternity life, adding another layer to the film’s narrative.

Overall, Goat succeeds in revealing the unsettling reality at the heart of many fraternities, calling into question the underlying culture of toxic masculinity within these institutions. It's a taut, intense drama that offers a disturbing yet essential look at a secretive aspect of American campus life. In its unrelenting portrayal of fraternity hazing, it becomes a gripping exploration of brotherhood – both of blood-inherited and fraternity-inhibited kind.