Neil Jordan's film The Brave One tries to add more complexity to themes of vigilantism and retribution explored in earlier vigilante films. The film uses a strong lead performance by Jodie Foster to examine the conflicted emotions taking the law into one's own hands can elicit. However, the film ultimately seems to shy away from fully analyzing the real social implications involved, like earlier vigilante films. The Brave One is set in New York City and follows Erica Bain, played by Jodie Foster, who lives with her fiancé until she is assaulted and he is killed, leading her to take justice into her own hands.