Broken (2016) Reviews

• Brilliant performances and very unique.

  natalieh-744232016-10-02

  Initially I was unsure about this one, I managed to catch it at Frightfest 2016, now I'm so glad I took the plunge. What starts off as a very slow, claustrophobic little two hander kitchen-sink drama descends into misery about a carer, Evie, and her ex rock star tetraplegic client John. I must point out here that the director spent time as a carer looking after people with spinal injuries. He mentioned in the Q & A after the screening that a lot of the story is based on actual events. How much of this is true I don't know but it must've been a very depressing occupation but this adds to the realism of the scenes, something I couldn't imagine doing myself considering I cry at the sight of blood, poo and sick! Evie has a troubled past and is running away from her past and finds herself taking the job as a carer, caring for a guy who is fighting his disability and on a hell-bent binge into drug fueled chaos and debauchery... Still with me? The film is led by two absolutely brilliant performances from both Evie, played by Morjaina Alaoui (MARTYRS) and Mel Raido (GEMMA BOVERY). If these two were off the ball at any point during the film it would have been a very different story, full of disabled clichés. The film is filled with intense moments and some tender moments between them. The script is indeed incredibly sharp and at no point does it shy away from the day-to-day routine/monotony of what it is to be a carer or client. Don't get me wrong, the film is difficult to watch and at times it's incredibly dry but the building of tension keeps it afloat. The supporting cast are all fantastic with special kudos to Craig Conway who plays slimy letch, Dougie - a character I have come across on more than one occasion in my life :( This isn't a spoiler review so I won't give anything away but what begins as a drama/psychological thriller turns into something completely different towards the end, I thought it was a the perfect ending to a very unique little film. They use music as a contrast to the bleak surroundings and the score itself is both haunting and beautiful. I can see this being a 'love it or hate it' kind of movie but I can honestly say that I loved it, from the claustrophobic surroundings to the solid performances BROKEN is a film I will watch again and again.

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• Not a dime a dozen

  kosmasp2017-04-16

  So maybe the title of the movie has been used a lot. But what you are going to see in it, it's not something you've seen many times. Now you have to consider that the movie at hand has a really slow pace. It actually will unnerve a lot of people. But those who stay with it, will be rewarded. And it has great central performances. Some may say and think that the ending deserves a better set up, but I do think it's a really good way to tell the story. It's also tough for the main actress who has is convincing in not her native tongue. And while you may be wondering about the male main character and his mood swings, I reckon it's not too far a stretch. If we put ourselves in his shoes ... But as already said, there is more to this, just wait and see

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• Best ending I have seen in a while.

  logismum2017-03-06

  I was not sure what to expect, I cant read reviews that look like essays, I don't mind a few words of thought but I do prefer to experience a film without too much bias in any which way. In saying that, this was really well acted, it was raw and beautiful. The leads are so believable, as was a leads best friend, stunning work indeed. I bet the book is pretty captivating, as the film is not lacking in that area, unless you have any attention disorder; some moments might make you want to check your phone, but this is in my opinion, in the psychological thriller genre and with that comes unfolding. As I stated in summary, such a good ending, I kept waiting for a let down, but it did not come, I was left feeling very satisfied, and I can not find the discuss option to blurt my enjoyment of the ending out to the world, so I have made a quick review. It is really well done, I am glad I watched it, only one question I had, what was up with the attire at the end?.. Titillating.

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• Happy Suicide failure party

  nogodnomasters2018-01-07

  John (Mel Raido) is a rock musician who thought he could fly. He is confined to a wheel chair and is cared for by Evie (Morjana Alaoui) a woman with her own "broken" issues. Evie hates it there and is begging to get out. John still holds parties with drugs and hookers. His friend Dougie (Craig Conway) is also a point of contention for Evie. The film is mostly a drama about two people who live together in a house and hate each other but manage, sometimes by a delicate thread. The acting was good. The ending is what made the film and I wish they had dragged it out, substituting for some of that excessive character building. Guide: F-word. Nudity (Morjana Alaoui, Natalie Louise Garcia)

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• Disappointing, slow with a decent ending

  gemandeye12017-03-09

  I originally came across this title when researching REVENGE HORROR films. This was listed as one to watch. It definitely is not a horror film. IMDb dos have it right as a Drama/Thriller. Was there act(s) of vengeance, yes. But I wouldn't classify it as a revenge movie either. This is a psychological drama that for most of the movie is very slow and I don't mean as in slow build up or slow burn. Just slow. The ending did not satisfy the pace it was more like "finally, something happened". The acting is good. So, you're not wasting your time totally watching some micro budget movie with terrible actors or script. The movie just doesn't flow. If you go into it wanting to see a psychological DRAMA, with a hint of a thriller and bit of "vengeance", then by all means you may enjoy this more.

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