Despite his dedication to the junior-high students who fill his classroom, idealistic teacher Dan Dunne leads a secret life of addiction that the majority of his students will never know. But things change when a troubled student Drey makes a startling discovery of his secret life, causing a tenuous bond between the two that could either end disastrously or provide a catalyst of hope.
Acting
Gosling's twitchy, tender performance—his first Oscar nom, totally deserved.
Writing
Dialogue so natural you'll swear they just followed real people around.
Direction
Fleck's handheld intimacy makes Brooklyn feel like a character itself.
Director
Ryan Fleck
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shareeka Epps won an Independent Spirit Award at 16, beating out Frances McDormand; she later left acting entirely.
The film's title comes from a wrestling move—half nelson, half free—mirroring Dan's half-held life and the students he can't fully save.
US
