Broken Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A young girl learns about the harsh realities of life when her neighborhood devolves into a soap opera of lies, violence, and forgotten insulin shots.

🍿 Broken: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Skunk and Her World

The film introduces Skunk (Eloise Laurence), an 11-year-old girl with diabetes, living with her father Archie (Tim Roth) and brother Jed in a seemingly ordinary suburban cul-de-sac in North London. Skunk navigates the challenges of growing up, dealing with her condition, and enjoying the innocence of childhood.

Witnessing Violence and the Unraveling

Skunk witnesses a brutal attack by neighbor Bob Oswald (Rory Kinnear) on Rick (Robert Emms), a mentally challenged young man, based on a false accusation made by one of Oswald’s daughters. This event serves as the catalyst, triggering a series of interconnected and devastating events that disrupt the community’s fragile peace.

Escalating Tension and Broken Relationships

As tensions rise, relationships within the cul-de-sac begin to fray. Skunk’s budding crush on her teacher, Mr. Kiernan (Cillian Murphy), is complicated by his relationship with their live-in housekeeper, Kasia. The Oswald family’s volatile dynamics further contribute to the escalating chaos, revealing deeper fractures within the community.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Skunk (Eloise Laurence): A resilient 11-year-old diabetic girl whose life is disrupted after witnessing a violent act, forcing her to confront the harsh realities of her community.
• Archie (Tim Roth): Skunk’s caring single father and a lawyer, who struggles to protect his children and navigate the escalating tensions in their neighborhood.
• Bob Oswald (Rory Kinnear): A volatile and aggressive single father of three daughters, whose actions trigger a chain of tragic events in the community.
• Rick (Robert Emms): A mentally challenged young man who becomes a victim of violence and misunderstanding, leading to further tragedy.
• Kasia (Zana Marjanovic): The family’s live-in housekeeper, who forms a close bond with Skunk and Archie while navigating her own complex relationships.
• Mike (Cillian Murphy): Skunk’s kind schoolteacher and Kasia’s boyfriend, who becomes entangled in the escalating conflicts within the community.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Skunk: “What would you do if I died, Dad?” – Skunk asks her father a poignant question about his feelings, reflecting the film’s themes of loss and family bonds.
• Archie: “I can’t even answer that question.” – Archie’s response to Skunk’s question reveals his deep love and fear of losing her.
• Skunk: “Would you cry?” – Skunk presses her father, highlighting her concern about his emotional state and their relationship.
• Archie: “Uh-huh.” – Archie’s simple affirmation underscores the unspoken connection and love between father and daughter.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Broken Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, what a film! I went into ‘Broken’ expecting a simple drama, but it completely blew me away. Eloise Laurence is phenomenal, and the story is so gripping. The scene where Skunk is attacked is one that had me on edge. The ending gave me so much to think about, I recommend watching this if you enjoy British dramas.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British social realism dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in coming-of-age stories”
  • “Audiences who appreciate strong performances and character-driven narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Bullying”
  • “Disturbing themes”
  • “Language”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Empire Magazine: “Broken is a powerful, emotionally resonant film anchored by outstanding performances, particularly from Eloise Laurence. While occasionally veering into melodrama, its raw portrayal of suburban dysfunction is both captivating and unsettling.
• The Guardian: “Rufus Norris’s directorial debut showcases a keen eye for detail and a talent for eliciting authentic performances. The film’s exploration of broken families and shattered innocence is compelling, even if the narrative occasionally feels overwrought.
• Variety: “Despite a strong cast and a promising premise, ‘Broken’ struggles to maintain a consistent tone. The film’s attempts at social commentary are muddled, and the narrative meanders, ultimately diminishing its emotional impact.

Audience Reactions

The performances by the young actors are incredible, especially Eloise Laurence as Skunk.: Most viewers praised the film’s realism and emotional depth.

Tim Roth and Cillian Murphy deliver captivating performances, elevating the movie.: Fans applauded its engaging plot and thought-provoking themes.

Overall Consensus: ‘Broken’ is a well-acted, emotionally charged drama that resonates with viewers, although some find its bleakness and occasional melodrama to be overwhelming.

Awards

1. British Independent Film Award (Best British Independent Film)- 2012

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Eloise Laurence, who played Skunk, sings the song at the beginning and end of the movie herself.”
• “The film is inspired by ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ and adapted from Daniel Clay’s novel, with director Rufus Norris taking an impressionistic approach to the material.”
• “Filming locations included Elmstead Close in London, Greater London, England.”

🖥️ How to Watch Broken?

Currently, ‘Broken’ is not widely available on major streaming platforms. Check services like Prime Video or Apple TV to see if it’s available for rent or purchase. You may also find it on smaller, independent streaming services that specialize in British cinema. Always verify platform availability in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Broken, you might like these similar films:

• To Kill a Mockingbird (1962): Shares a similar coming-of-age story set against a backdrop of prejudice and violence, exploring themes of innocence and morality.
• Boy A (2007): Deals with the aftermath of a violent crime and the challenges of reintegrating into society, examining themes of redemption and forgiveness.
• This Is England (2006): Depicts the loss of innocence and the impact of social issues on youth, set in a specific cultural context.
• The Hunt (2012): Explores the devastating consequences of false accusations and the fragility of community trust.

🛒 Broken Related Products

• Daniel Clay – Broken: A Novel: The novel that inspired the film, delving deeper into the characters and their intertwined lives. A must-read for fans seeking a more immersive experience.
• To Kill a Mockingbird [Blu-ray]: See the classic source material that inspired this film. This Blu-ray features remastered audio and video with classic bonus features.

🎧 Soundtrack

Broken features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Colours” – performed by Electric Wave Bureau & Eloise Laurence

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Maxx: Four Broken People And A Bunny

Ever wondered where the surreal visuals of ‘Broken’ came from? Check out this deep dive into ‘The Maxx’ comics by artist Sam Keith – you’ll definitely spot some similarities and get a whole new appreciation for his style! I was surprised how much the comic influenced the film.

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