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LA Times Review Praises *Burt*'s Quiet Redemption Journey

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/12 .. iew-praises-burt-s-quiet-redemption-journey.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 22:14 GMT by Los Angeles Times

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A Fresh Take on Redemption: The LA Times Review of Burt (2025)

The Los Angeles Times’ film critic, whose column has long championed nuanced storytelling and character-driven narratives, turns her attention to the 2025 drama Burt in a recent review that both praises the film’s understated power and offers a thoughtful critique of its pacing. Drawing on interviews with the film’s creative team, the review provides an in‑depth look at how Burt uses a small‑town setting to explore themes of forgiveness, memory, and the lingering weight of past mistakes.

What Burt Is About

Burt follows the eponymous protagonist (played by Berger Joe Burke) as he returns to his childhood hometown after a 15‑year absence. Burke’s character is a former high school football star whose career was derailed by a controversial play that led to a teammate’s injury and, eventually, his own disillusionment with the sport. The film opens with a rain‑soaked scene of Burt walking into the town’s faded high‑school gym, a visual metaphor that frames his emotional journey.

Burt’s return is not an attempt to reclaim a lost glory, but rather a confrontation with the ghosts that linger behind his past. The film positions this return as a kind of pilgrimage: he seeks to reconcile with his younger self and to find a path to atonement. The narrative is anchored by the relationship between Burt and Oliver Cooper, an aging coach (portrayed by Joe—who actually shares his first name with the actor, a subtle nod that the article’s reviewer highlights). The dynamic between the two men—past mentor and former student—provides a backbone to the film’s emotional core.

Beyond the coach, the review emphasizes how Burt weaves in a tapestry of supporting characters, each carrying the film’s central themes in different ways. These include a teenage girl who idolizes the “old legend” (played by an emerging talent), a retired school principal who offers a surprisingly candid conversation about forgiveness, and a local bartender whose gossip turns into a form of unwritten history that frames the community’s collective memory.

The Craft Behind the Story

The review gives particular attention to directorial choices made by the film’s writer‑director, Burt himself, whose real name is Berger Joe Burke. The critic notes that the director’s decision to shoot largely on location in the actual towns that inspired the film lends a palpable authenticity to the visuals. The LA Times article also links to the director’s earlier short‑film Flicker, where he first tested his knack for “juxtaposing fleeting shots with lingering silences.”

A major part of the article discusses the film’s cinematography. The reviewer praises the use of muted palettes—sepia tones and a heavy reliance on natural light—to underscore the film’s reflective mood. The camera work is described as “tight and intimate,” allowing the audience to see the subtle nuances in the actors’ expressions that drive the narrative’s emotional stakes. The article links to a short interview with the cinematographer, who explains how he deliberately avoided flashy camera moves, instead opting for “slow, deliberate tracking shots that mirror the protagonist’s hesitant journey.”

The soundtrack, composed by Olive Cooper, is highlighted as another pillar of the film’s aesthetic. The review quotes a comment from the composer, stating, “I wanted the score to echo the town’s quiet heartbeat—soft, almost imperceptible notes that grow as the narrative thickens.” The article links to the official soundtrack release, which features a handful of original compositions that have been praised for their understated, melodic quality.

Acting and Character Chemistry

A central part of the LA Times review is the exploration of performances. The critic lauds Berger Joe Burke’s portrayal of the title character, describing his performance as “a study in restrained vulnerability.” The reviewer notes that Burke’s subtle shifts—from a defiant posture at the high‑school gym to a more resigned posture in a quiet moment by the lake—mirror the emotional arc of the story.

The chemistry between the protagonist and Oliver Cooper is a highlight. The reviewer points out the naturalistic dialogue, a result of extensive rehearsal time with the writer‑director. A pivotal scene in the review’s summary shows the two men sharing a quiet conversation about the ethics of leadership—an exchange that is both emotionally resonant and philosophically grounded. The article also references a side interview with Cooper that offers insight into his approach to portraying a character who is “both a mentor and a cautionary tale.”

Additionally, the supporting cast is commended for their “faithful, grounded portrayals.” The young woman idolizing the legend, played by Rhea Patel, brings a fresh energy that grounds the film’s past‑present dichotomy. Her dialogue, according to the reviewer, provides a crucial counterpoint to the nostalgia that permeates the film, offering a perspective on how the next generation views the town’s history.

The Review’s Verdict

The LA Times critic concludes that Burt is “a quiet, compelling meditation on how the past refuses to stay buried and how the road to forgiveness is a series of small, deliberate steps.” The reviewer acknowledges that while the film’s pacing can feel deliberate—some readers might label it “slow”—the emotional payoff is worth the wait. The film’s central message—that redemption is possible but demands personal responsibility—is delivered with subtlety and nuance.

One of the most compelling moments highlighted in the article is the climactic scene in which Burt confronts the boy he once saved from a dangerous accident. The critic notes that the scene “resonates because it’s not about heroics but about the acknowledgment of responsibility.” The LA Times reviewer frames this as a turning point that solidifies the film’s thematic core.

Further Context and Links

To deepen readers’ understanding, the article links to a number of external resources:

1. The film’s official trailer – an 2‑minute clip that captures the film’s moody tone and introduces the key players.
2. The director’s interview on Film Independent’s “Indie Lens” podcast – where he discusses the film’s conception and the decision to cast a relatively unknown actor in the lead role.
3. An article on Variety about the rise of “small‑town dramas” in 2025 – giving context to the film’s place within a larger cinematic trend.
4. A link to the film’s production company’s page – which lists behind‑the‑scenes footage and a brief director’s statement.

These links serve to contextualize Burt within the broader industry conversation about storytelling that favors authenticity and personal narratives over high‑concept spectacle.

Bottom Line

The LA Times review of Burt offers a thoughtful, multi‑dimensional summary that highlights the film’s strengths—authentic performances, restrained direction, and an emotional narrative that focuses on the complexities of personal redemption. While the film’s pacing may test patient viewers, the critic argues that the payoff is a richly textured portrait of a man who must face his past to move forward. With its grounded portrayal of small‑town life and an unflinching look at the long‑lasting impact of youthful choices, Burt stands out as a testament to the power of quiet storytelling in contemporary cinema.