Review of Only the Brave (2017) by A B — 05 Jun 2018

I was not aware of the Yarnell Hill tragedy, so the ending was unexpected. I have since read up on the accounts and official reports on what took place, and it was indeed found that alcohol levels in the blood and vitreous humor of some of the victims were elevated. However, it was not concluded that they were "drunk", as a reviewer stated. Those levels could have been due to the previous night's consumption, or fire-related chemical damage. Nowhere was it concluded these men were in a drunken state, or unfit to do their jobs. It was mentioned, however, that they had appeared tired from having been on call 26 of the previous 28 days, and that hey did not feel at 100% of their energy levels.

The movie is sympathetic and well made, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story and acting.