'Must see' Netflix disaster movie based on harrowing real events

Daily Record

09-05-2025

This overlooked film has an A-list cast that re-tells the 'heart-breaking' real-life story
This biographical drama focuses on the real-life stories of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite crew of American firefighters who lost all but one of their members during a wildfire. Only The Brave tells the true story of the 20 servicemen and women who worked tirelessly to fight the 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona.
Of the team of 20, 19 didn't make it out alive, leaving one man behind, Brendan McDonough, who is played by Top Gun: Maverick star Miles Teller. Their tragic story struck the nation and led to their legacy being memorialised in this film.
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It's directed by Joseph Kosinski, the man behind the 2022 Top Gun sequel, as well as films such as Oblivion and the soon-to-be-released Brad Pitt movie F1.
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A viewer took to Rotten Tomatoes to say: "Wow. I don't want to give a single thing away, so I won't comment on the plot. This is a must-see. the acting, the pacing, the storyline, the character arcs, the production, the music tie-ins, the directing. everything!! one of my favourites now."
While another claimed: "A truly gripping and heart-wrenching true story, Only the Brave showcases Joseph Kosinski's talent as a truly versatile director, with multiple great performances, some horrifying realistic effects, and uncomplicated writing that gets straight to the point."
Starring in the movie as some of the brave firefighters are none other than Josh Brolin, James Badge Dale, and Jeff Bridges. Joining them on screen are actresses Andie MacDowell and Jennifer Connelly, as well as X-Men actor Ben Hardy.
Many viewers have praised the ensemble cast's performances in what is a very character-driven story. Not only this, but the filmmakers' accuracy in handling the subject with sensitivity while still adding extra details for dramatic effect.
A review reads: "Only The Brave joins many real-life-based films that honour and respect true heroism. This is a movie with good performances and a real emotional centre. There are exhilarating moments that kept me on the edge of my seat, but the movie shines with its human story and really being character-driven.
"The ending of this story is pretty heart-breaking stuff, and I think it is impossible for anyone who watches it to not be moved by it." They went on to say that they felt the film "flew completely off the radar" during its 2017 release and years later "deserves more attention".
Unfortunately in 2017, the thriller failed to be a box office hit, not quite making enough against its $38 million production budget. Only the Brave grossed a worldwide total of $25.8 million, but years on, fans are still discovering the moving movie and learning about its real-life heroes.
One viewer shared: "Although it's very Hollywood, the acting is solid, the story is compelling, and, well, it's about a bunch of real heroes. And you learn a lot about wildfires and how they're fought."
You can watch Only The Brave on Netflix now.