Brother

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1:59

Brother

2023

1h 59m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

46 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

Adapted from David Chariandy's award-winning novel of the same name, Brother is propelled by the pulsing beats of Toronto's early hip hop scene following the story of Francis (Lamar Johnson) and Michael (Aaron Pierre), sons of Caribbean immigrants maturing into young men. A mystery unfolds during the sweltering summer of 1991, and escalating tensions set off a series of events that change the course of these brothers' lives forever. Brother crafts a timely story about the profound bond between siblings, the resilience of community and the irrepressible power of music.

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Critics Consensus

Deeply felt and emotionally resonant, Brother overcomes its imposing length and a certain narrative familiarity with riveting performances and stunning cinematography.

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Isabelle Gray

Little White Lies

Sep 26, 2023

3/5

Not entirely original, but does what it does very well indeed.

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Mark Kermode

Observer (UK)

Sep 17, 2023

4/5

Virgo does a great job of confounding our expectations of macho masculinity, finding tenderness, protectiveness and even neediness beneath the street-tough exterior.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

Sep 16, 2023

2/5

There are fine performances on display and Johnson especially is perfectly nervy as Michael. But the storytelling here could have easily squeezed into a short film or, even better, a slickly shot music video.

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William Stottor

Loud and Clear Reviews

Aug 13, 2024

4.5/5

Immaculately structured and impressively transferred from page to screen, Brother retains the ferocity, tangibility and emotional heft of David Chariandy’s novel.

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Carmen Paddock

The Skinny

Oct 6, 2023

4/5

Elegant and elegiac, Brother is a poignant portrait of the messiness of love and loss – be that within a family or an entire community. Even if its ending feels inevitable, the path taken is remarkable.

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Kevin Harley

Radio Times

Sep 29, 2023

4/5

Johnson and Pierre suggest decades of fraternal feeling with their soulful performances, while Blake is revelatory as their tough but tender mum.

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Gift M

@RT67470130 Sep 30, 2026

I cried after watching it. It's extremely powerful and truly underrated. The acting is amazing, and the slow burn is worth it for the end, because when it's done you truly know the characters and you can feel their emotions ripping off the screen. Like any other movies, it has it's flaws, but everything is worth it. The music in the story is a major catalyst to emotion and combines that with character understanding--- you get this. The foreshadowing is really powerful when it comes back around near the ends, and I'd advise people to watch this as soon as they can-- don't rush it though, just chill and enjoy this work of art. For me, this was honestly a 10 out of 10-- well done.

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GERMAN L

@this_world_is_spiraling_ Jan 11, 2026

Great touching slow movie

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Mick O.

@Greenguy33 Jan 10, 2026

Powerful film with amazing actors and a wonderful soundtrack!!

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Kyle M

@RT77296778 Jun 22, 2025

Thematically shines akin through “Moonlight” from another angle and anchored by Aaron Pierre’s form as a brotherly father figure in a drama that tackles social critique tropes to minimal effect, especially once the grip unceremoniously loosens. But overall, an excellent film in its own right means well when conveying repeated messages. (B)

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Michael C

@Coxmjc23 Jan 25, 2025

Great acting and a great movie!!! Superb!!! So well deserved of the awards that it has received!!!

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Sterling B

@RT59665745 Dec 27, 2024

Felt like a C version of a Barry Jenkin's film. I found myself bored halfway through it. Pacing was too slow, there were some unnecessary scenes/characters and a lot of dead space. This would've been better off as a short. From the work I've seen thus far, Aaron Pierre's presence tends to be strong and grounded. He's a fine actor, but even he couldn't save this film.

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Clement Virgo

Director

Lamar Johnson

Michael

Aaron Pierre

Francis

Marsha Stephanie Blake

Ruth

Kiana Madeira

Aisha

Lovell Adams-Gray

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1:59

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Synopsis

Adapted from David Chariandy's award-winning novel of the same name, Brother is propelled by the pulsing beats of Toronto's early hip hop scene following the story of Francis (Lamar Johnson) and Michael (Aaron Pierre), sons of Caribbean immigrants maturing into young men. A mystery unfolds during the sweltering summer of 1991, and escalating tensions set off a series of events that change the course of these brothers' lives forever. Brother crafts a timely story about the profound bond between siblings, the resilience of community and the irrepressible power of music.

Director: Clement Virgo
Producer: Clement Virgo, Damon D'Oliveira, Aeschylus Poulos, Sonya Di Rienzo
Screenwriter: Clement Virgo
Distributor: Vertical
Production Co: Hawkeye Pictures, Conquering Lion Pictures
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 4, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 4, 2023
Runtime: 1h 59m

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