Nick Jonas Joins a Different Sort of Brotherhood in Shocking but Predictable ‘Goat’

Sandra Miska

Toxic masculinity and the Greek system are explored in “Goat,” a college drama about an incoming freshman, Brad Land (Ben Schnetzer), who pledges the fraternity of which his older brother, Brett (Nick Jonas), is a member. While Brad looks forward to the freedom campus life brings, he is hesitant to pledge. Although Brad and Brett appear to be as close as two brothers can be, their differences are clear: Brad is more sensitive than cool guy Brett. The story takes a dark turn when Brad is nearly killed by a couple of thugs savagely beat Brad and steal his car and the rest of the film deals with his quest to reaffirm his masculinity by pledging to the frat.

Once Brad agrees to pledge, the cute girls disappear, the fun parties stop and a hellish ordeal ensues. Brad and his cohorts experience all the typical hazing abuses, but director Andrew Neel takes things even further, as the pledges, or “goats” are locked in cages, urinated on, blindfolded and forced to perform sex acts. The “fun” comes to an abrupt end after a tragedy inevitably occurs, and Brad is faced with a dilemma that while presented as being difficult, is really a no-brainer.

Despite many harrowing scenes, there are also numerous humorous moments in “Goat,” some unintentional. A highlight is producer James Franco’s cameo as a former brother-turned-family man who returns to relive his glory days at the frat. As for the serious stuff, there is certainly escalation when it comes to the hazing, but a missed opportunity when it comes to Brad’s PTSD from the attack. Neel doesn’t go as far as he could have with this psychological storyline and connecting it to the main plot.

Schnetzer shows promise and both he and Jonas are very believable as brothers, but Brett’s character isn’t fleshed out as much as it should be. At first, Brett is all about making his sibling a frat brother, but once the hazing begins he spend most of his time holed up in his room in silent protest, unwilling to take action or even articulate his feelings.

“Goat” opens Sept. 23 in Los Angeles, New York and other select cities, as well as on Digital and VOD.