Rufus Norris’ debut feature film is an emotionally intense British social drama. But doesn’t wallow in sorrowful or comedic moments for too long.
Broken is an intimate look at three families living together in an English suburb, paralleling Harper Lee’s seminal 1960 classic To Kill a Mockingbird; Eloise Laurence stands in for Scout, while Rick Buckley represents Boo Radley.
Eloise Laurence
Broken is a captivating drama that manages to combine childhood’s joys and the uncertainty of adult life into one powerful journey. This moving coming-of-age movie will touch you deeply, leaving you wanting more. Boasting an amazing cast with stellar performances by Eloise Laurence and Cillian Murphy among many others, Broken will leave audiences wanting more!
Rufus Norris’ kitchen-sink drama brings to the fore the tensions in a small cul-de-sac community. Yet isn’t afraid to inject some lighthearted humor. And thus avoids sinking into gloomy doom-and-gloom territory.
The film takes place in a middle class suburban area of North London and follows the Cunningham family: preteen daughter Skunk (Eloise Laurence), teenage brother Jed and lawyer father Archie as they interact with live in nanny Kasia (Zana Marjanovic) as well as the Oswalds: Mrs. and Mr. Oswalds who live nearby.
Though the film may sometimes drag, it’s an impressive piece of filmmaking. The direction is stellar and performances by Eloise Laurence as Skunk are outstanding; her reactions to everything that happens are truly believable and you can feel her anger, fear and excitement throughout.
Eloise Laurence gives an outstanding performance as Skunk, feeling both excited about life yet terrified by what lies ahead. Her acting adds even more depth and emotion to an already captivating film.
An award-winning and captivating film which should not be miss. The performances by Tim Roth, Rory Kinnear and Cillian Murphy stand out. Cinematography is stunning while music fits seamlessly. Everyone should add this film to their viewing list for dramas with a bit of edge; its characters are perfectly-develop while the plot keeps viewers hooked until its conclusion. A true masterpiece of British film making with wonderful rounded characters who keep viewers guessing throughout.
Cillian Murphy
Broken is a British coming-of-age drama which draws heavily upon To Kill a Mockingbird and similar tales. Eloise Laurence (an Academy Award nominated Scout in Mockingbird) looks strikingly like Eloise Laurence from Mockingbird; characters have minor variations (Boo Radley becomes Rick Buckley; Jem is Jed and Atticus is Archie). However it has its own sense of grace and urgency which stand up well next to its more celebrated predecessors.
This film’s story unfolds across three separate strands and centers on Skunk, her brother Jed and their lawyer father Archie. A tragic event begins a chain reaction across their homes – but even so, this dramatic tale remains gripping right up until its dramatic conclusion.
Thankfully, the film is saved by its stellar cast. Perhaps Cillian Murphy stands out most, having won Best Actor at Cannes Film Festival for his portrayal of Mr. Oswald – an adversarial neighbour to Skunk and her family – as Mr. Oswald is complex yet moving in his performance, one which I found particularly memorable due to how realistically it portrays someone wrestling with tragedy.
Rory Kinnear plays the film’s primary antagonist – Skunk’s uncooperative schoolmate and Zana Marjanovic as Kasia. Their live-in au pair – both giving impressive performances that give us insight into their respective characters’ arcs and future developments. All three actors make strong characters that emerge throughout the narrative arcs.
Broken is an impressive horror film with a profound message, captivating audiences with a complex narrative and remarkable performances from its leading actors. A must-see for horror fans! Erik Wilson’s cinematography is excellent; his use of light creates an immersive mood belying the film’s limited budget. Additionally, Daniel Dolby and Siddhartha Barnhooran’s soundtrack and score add depth and impact. Rufus Norris made an impressive debut with this film, making a striking first impression that can only be appreciated through Film Movement’s excellent DVD release or streaming services. For anyone interested in British horror, it should not be missed as this dark yet provocative story explores life in poor neighborhoods with unflinching honesty.
Rory Kinnear
Broken Movie Review is an unpredictable British coming of age drama with flashes of greatness. Young actress Eloise Laurence gives an amazing performance as she slowly opens her eyes to darker parts of her world. Rufus Norris makes his directorial debut and pays special attention to all the little details – their addition adds so much depth and breadth.
This film tells a gripping tale about how lies can have far-reaching repercussions in multiple lives, exploring themes of redemption, family, and what it means to be civilise while exploring how fate shapes our lives – an honest depiction of young teens’ struggles today.
Even though this movie may be slow-paced, it still holds plenty of promise. The performances by cast and crew members were fantastic while directing was superb. Unfortunately however, its ending proved disappointing; nevertheless it remains worth watching, provided you have enough patience.
Rory Kinnear gives an incredible performance as Bob Osborne, Skunk’s angry neighbor who beats up on him mercilessly. Although initially appearing one-dimensional, Osborne slowly shows us another side. Someone struggling with their own demons while trying to protect their family from an abusive world that has left scars upon him.
Zana Marjanovic shines in her performance as Kasia, Skunk’s au pair and best friend. Her character is captivating – funny yet compassionate with a dark side she struggles with herself – making for an outstanding addition to the cast and performance.
Kinnear is an accomplished actor, having appeared in both theatre and film roles. He starred as Laeres in Hamlet at the Almeida Theatre as well as Angelo in Measure for Measure at Almeida.
Zana Marjanovic
Rufus Norris’ Broken is an outstanding drama. From its realistic kitchen sink realism and North London setting to the unsettling ending with one terrible event after another. Norris crafts an engaging story featuring an outstanding cast – Eloise Laurence especially is worth keeping an eye out for in this one!
The film’s story revolves around a modernize adaptation of To Kill A Mockingbird as seen from Skunk. A young girl living with diabetes whose days are spent daydreaming and exploring her neighborhood. She lives with older brother Jed and single father Archie (Zana Marjanovic is her Polish au pair Kasia), both whom provide care.
Though its stars delivered strong performances, this movie ultimately falls flat due to its plot. Although attempting to be a psychological thriller and with some essential elements (driving score, slowly unravelling mystery, jump scares). Its effectiveness never reached its potential; characters were not fully develop enough for us to believe their motives and actions. While lacking any degree of ruthlessness that would have made them more compelling characters.
Broken is most disappointing when considered as the potential it has for much greater things than just being another shaggy dog story with emotions it rarely earns. The first three quarters are gripping, disturbing, and provocative. Only once it descends into self-indulgent melodrama does it become dull and overwrought.
Broken is a shamefully under-achieved film. Boasting an engaging script, an expert approach to handling tragic moments of its story. And powerful performances from an all-star cast, it should have been an unqualify success – instead it turns into another misfire drama so often found nowadays. Still worth seeing though for those willing to weather its storm of tragedy.
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