'' The Brave One '' is a 2007 American psychological thriller film directed by Neil Jordan from a screenplay written by Roderick Taylor , Bruce A. Taylor and Cynthia Mort . The film stars Jodie Foster as Erica Bain , a New York City radio host who along with her partner , is severely beaten by thugs , leading to the latter 's death . Terrified for her safety , she buys a pistol . Armed with the gun , she undergoes a personality transformation and becomes a vigilante , shooting a number of criminals . Detective Sean Mercer ( Howard ) investigates the vigilante shootings , which lead him closer and closer to Bain . The film features Naveen Andrews , Terrence Howard , Nicky Katt , Zoë Kravitz , Mary Steenburgen and Luis Da Silva in supporting roles . '' The Brave One '' was released in the United States on September 14 , 2007 . The film received mixed reviews from critics who acclaimed Foster 's performance but criticized its execution and was a box office success , grossing $ 170.8 million worldwide . At the 65th Golden Globe Awards , Foster received a nomination for Best Actress Motion Picture in a Drama
65th Golden Globe Awards
65th Golden Globe Awards
The Brave One (2007 film)