The Brave One is a 2007 American psychological thriller film directed by Neil Jordan, produced by Joel Silver, and starring Jodie Foster and Terrence Howard. It is about Erica Bain (Foster), a female New York radio host and her boyfriend, who are severely beaten by thugs, leading to the boyfriend's death. Terrified for her safety, Bain 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. It was released in the United States on September 14, 2007. The film earned Foster a Golden Globe nomination for leading actress in a drama. The film, which garnered mixed reviews, had a global box office total of $69.7 M against a $70 M budget.