A younger veteran with the burden of the world on his shoulders walks right into a financial institution and virtually shyly informs the teller he has a bomb in his backpack. However he doesn’t need to rob the financial institution. He lets virtually everybody depart. What does he need? The $892 he believes he's owed by the Division of Veterans Affairs.
“Breaking” is predicated on the true story of former Marine Brian Brown-Easley, performed by John Boyega (Finn within the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy). It first got here to the filmmakers’ consideration by way of a 2018 article by Aaron Gell within the military-focused information website Activity & Objective. Easley’s story is a component indictment of VA paperwork and trigger-happy police, half hostage drama and half character examine of a person in extreme misery. Sadly, the proceedings really feel too heavy and diffuse for the punches to land.
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The narrative angles downward and by no means considerably adjustments its trajectory. There’s little suspense as to the end result, even when one isn’t conversant in the actual occasions (this reviewer was not). Key items of the person are lacking, together with his troubled marriage and troublesome transition again to life at house. Although some shades of his paranoia are depicted, Brown-Easley’s historical past of significant psychological sickness is actually handed over. This isn’t a documentary and shouldn’t be held to exacting journalistic requirements, however the lack of context and focus make “Breaking” really feel unmoored. It additionally doesn’t have to be some type of thrill journey — however a deeper, grittier dive into its protagonist may need helped the movie join.
The movie doesn’t delve into the explanations for the missed cost to create one thing resembling an antagonist — whether or not that be VA paperwork, Brown-Easley’s psychological instability or no matter. Slightly, we've got a protagonist with whom we vaguely sympathize as a result of, apparently, he means no hurt to others.
That vagueness isn't any fault of the appearing. The ensemble received a particular jury award at Sundance this 12 months. Boyega conveys a person who's previous his breaking level. Nicole Beharie is plausible because the cool-headed financial institution supervisor who is aware of she’d higher not lose her wits. A standout, in considered one of his closing roles, is Michael Ok. Williams as a compassionate police negotiator. He doesn’t overplay the drama, as an alternative staying centered on connecting with the determined suspect.
Brown-Easley’s story is fascinating and the movie’s appearing is dedicated. Sadly, as a cinematic expertise, “Breaking” fails to compel.
'Breaking'
Rated: PG-13, for some violent content material and robust language
Operating time: 1 hour, 43 minutes
Enjoying: Normally launch Aug. 26
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