“Goat” (2016) is a harrowing drama that explores the violent and emotionally draining world of college fraternity hazing. Directed by Andrew Neel, the film is based on the memoir Goat: A Memoir by Brad Land, which recounts the author’s personal experience with fraternity life and hazing at Clemson University. Starring Ben Schnetzer and Nick Jonas, “Goat” provides a raw and unsettling portrayal of the extremes of brotherhood and the toxic masculinity that often drives these rituals.
Plot Summary
The film centers on Brad (Ben Schnetzer), a 19-year-old college student who, after surviving a traumatic assault, decides to pledge the same fraternity as his older brother, Brett (Nick Jonas). What follows is a disturbing journey into the dark side of fraternity culture, as Brad endures a brutal hazing process known as “Hell Week.” The film forces viewers to confront the brutality of these rituals and the psychological toll they take on young men, questioning the values of brotherhood, loyalty, and masculinity.
Themes and Analysis
1. Hazing and Toxic Masculinity
At the core of “Goat” is its intense and unflinching portrayal of fraternity hazing. The film shines a light on the physical and psychological abuse that pledges endure to prove their loyalty and masculinity. The rituals shown in the film are violent and dehumanizing, ranging from forced drinking to violent beatings, all of which serve to break down the individuality of the pledges.
The film critiques the concept of toxic masculinity, where strength, dominance, and a willingness to endure pain are prized above all else. “Goat” raises the question of why young men subject themselves to such brutality and what they gain from it. Is it truly about brotherhood, or is it a misguided attempt to assert power and masculinity?
2. Brotherhood vs. Isolation
While fraternity life is supposed to foster brotherhood, “Goat” depicts the opposite: a profound sense of isolation. As Brad endures Hell Week, he becomes more emotionally detached, not only from his fraternity brothers but also from his real brother, Brett. The film examines the irony of a system designed to bring men closer together yet instead pushes them further apart.
Brett, who has already established his place in the fraternity, struggles with his own feelings of guilt and responsibility for Brad’s suffering. The dynamic between the two brothers highlights the emotional complexities of loyalty, familial bonds, and the desire for acceptance in a toxic environment.
3. The Psychological Toll
“Goat” is particularly effective in depicting the emotional damage inflicted by hazing. Brad’s traumatic assault before pledging already leaves him vulnerable, and the relentless hazing only exacerbates his inner turmoil. The film portrays his descent into emotional numbness and paranoia, which mirrors the experiences of many real-life victims of hazing.
Performances
1. Ben Schnetzer as Brad
Ben Schnetzer delivers a powerful performance as Brad, perfectly capturing his character’s vulnerability, anger, and eventual emotional collapse. His portrayal of a young man grappling with trauma and a desire to belong is raw and deeply affecting. Schnetzer’s ability to convey internalized pain and frustration elevates the emotional intensity of the film.
2. Nick Jonas as Brett
Nick Jonas surprises with his subtle yet impactful portrayal of Brett, the older brother caught between his loyalty to his fraternity and his protective instincts toward his brother. Jonas, better known for his music career, brings a quiet intensity to his role, effectively portraying Brett’s internal conflict and guilt. His performance demonstrates his versatility as an actor and adds depth to the film’s exploration of brotherhood.
3. Supporting Cast
The supporting cast of fraternity brothers, led by Gus Halper and Danny Flaherty, effectively embody the different aspects of fraternity culture. They range from cold and cruel hazers to apathetic bystanders, each representing a different shade of toxic masculinity.
Direction and Cinematography
Andrew Neel directs “Goat” with a sense of realism that makes the hazing scenes particularly disturbing. The camera lingers on the brutal rituals, but rather than sensationalizing the violence, Neel focuses on the emotional reactions of the characters, making the audience feel the weight of each act of cruelty. The gritty, handheld cinematography enhances the raw, documentary-like feel of the film, immersing viewers in the intensity of the pledging process.
Neel’s direction succeeds in creating an atmosphere of tension and discomfort. The pacing of the film mirrors Brad’s psychological journey, slowly building toward the breaking point, and leaves viewers emotionally drained by the end.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, “Goat” received mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising its unflinching portrayal of fraternity hazing but criticizing its lack of resolution. The film holds a 79% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers highlighting the strong performances, particularly by Schnetzer and Jonas, and the film’s raw approach to difficult subject matter.
While some critics felt that the movie didn’t offer enough of a moral takeaway or deeper analysis of the fraternity system, others praised it for sparking important conversations about hazing, masculinity, and peer pressure.
What “Goat” Does Well
- Unflinching Realism: “Goat” doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal reality of hazing, forcing viewers to confront its consequences head-on.
- Strong Performances: Both Schnetzer and Jonas deliver impressive performances that bring depth to their characters’ emotional struggles.
- Themes of Toxic Masculinity: The film succeeds in critiquing the toxic culture that often underpins fraternity life and highlights the pressures young men face to conform.
Where “Goat” Falls Short
- Lack of Deeper Insight: While the film exposes the cruelty of hazing, it doesn’t fully explore the psychological motivations behind the rituals or provide much closure on the issues it raises.
- Pacing Issues: At times, the film’s pacing feels slow, particularly in the middle sections, which can detract from the overall tension.
Conclusion
“Goat” (2016) is a disturbing, thought-provoking film that pulls back the curtain on the often secretive world of fraternity hazing. It doesn’t attempt to sugarcoat the horrors of this culture, offering a raw and intense depiction of the violence and emotional manipulation that can occur in the pursuit of brotherhood. Powered by strong performances from Ben Schnetzer and Nick Jonas, “Goat” serves as a stark reminder of the toxic effects of hazing and raises important questions about masculinity, peer pressure, and the true meaning of brotherhood.
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