Breaking Fast Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A gay Muslim doctor trying to navigate Ramadan post-breakup finds an unexpected Superman-loving hunk who wants to share dates that are strictly calorie-free before sunset.

🍿 Breaking Fast: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Navigating Life After Heartbreak

Dr. Mo, a practicing Muslim living in West Hollywood, is still reeling from a difficult breakup with his boyfriend, Hassan, who couldn’t reconcile his faith with his sexuality in the same way Mo does. Mo finds solace and structure in observing the holy month of Ramadan, but the loneliness of breaking fast alone weighs on him.

An Unexpected Connection During Ramadan

At his best friend Sam’s birthday party, Mo meets Kal, a charming, All-American actor who surprises Mo with his fluency in Arabic and knowledge of Middle Eastern culture, gained from growing up on a military base in Jordan. Discovering a mutual love for Superman, they instantly connect. Kal makes the unusual offer to break fast with Mo during Ramadan.

A Relationship Develops Over Shared Meals

Over the course of the month of Ramadan, Mo and Kal’s bond deepens through nightly Iftar meals and shared experiences. They navigate their differing backgrounds, Mo’s previous heartbreak, and the unique dynamics of their relationship, which is shaped by the spiritual abstinence of Ramadan.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mo (Haaz Sleiman): A devout Muslim navigating life and love in West Hollywood while recovering from heartbreak.
• Kal (Michael Cassidy): An openhearted All-American man who connects with Mo during Ramadan, challenging his perspective on relationships.
• Sam (Amin El Gamal): Mo’s supportive best friend who provides guidance and comic relief as Mo explores new romantic possibilities.
• Hassan (Patrick Sabongui): Mo’s charming but complicated ex-boyfriend whose past relationship significantly impacts Mo’s present journey.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mo: “Okay, Mom, I can’t even deal with A your racism and B with how you think me and my future husband, sent by God because of your prayers, are going to have full-blooded Arab babies.” – Mo humorously expresses exasperation at his mother’s comments mixing her religious beliefs and expectations for his future family.

💰Box Office

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

💥 Breaking Fast Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I finally watched Breaking Fast, and honestly, it was just really sweet and surprisingly insightful. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the dynamic between Mo and Kal totally hooked me. Their conversations, especially revolving around Ramadan and their different backgrounds, felt really genuine. It made me think about my own relationships and how different beliefs can sometimes seem like barriers, but maybe they don’t have to be. I loved the moments where they just talked and got to know each other over Iftar. The best friend character added a lot of energy and humor, even if sometimes he felt a bit much! It was cool how they blended everyday life in West Hollywood with the specific traditions of Ramadan. Plus, the Superman references were a fun, unexpected touch. It’s not some big, flashy movie, but it has a lot of heart. It left me feeling warm and hopeful. Definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a feel-good story that’s a little bit different.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ stories”
  • “Audiences seeking positive Muslim representation in film”
  • “Those interested in intercultural romance narratives”
  • “Followers of actors Haaz Sleiman or Michael Cassidy”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Discussions of faith and sexuality”
  • “Brief male nudity (as per metadata, though some reviews note a chaste portrayal)”
  • “Mild thematic elements related to past heartbreak”

Professional Reviews

• Film Weekly: “Breaking Fast offers a fresh perspective on the rom-com genre, centered around a gay Muslim man observing Ramadan in West Hollywood. While some moments lean into familiar tropes, the film shines brightest in its cultural nuances and the genuine chemistry between leads Haaz Sleiman and Michael Cassidy. It’s a sweet, warm story about faith, love, and finding connection in unexpected places. A delightful watch.
• Indie Movie Journal: “Mike Mosallam’s ‘Breaking Fast’ is a charming, character-driven piece. It beautifully intertwines the themes of faith and identity, offering a rarely seen portrayal of a gay Muslim navigating love. The dialogue feels authentic, particularly the interactions around Ramadan and family. While it occasionally stumbles with pacing or predictable beats, the heart and sincerity of the performances carry it through, making it a memorable and important entry in the romantic comedy landscape.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers loved the genuine chemistry between the two lead actors.: The film is widely praised for its heartwarming story, positive representation of a gay Muslim character, and its blend of romance, comedy, and cultural elements.

Overall Consensus: A feel-good, charming romantic comedy noted for its positive representation and the engaging dynamic between its leads, offering a sweet and culturally unique love story.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The character of Kal is specifically named after Superman’s Kryptonian name, Kal-El, a fact mentioned multiple times in the movie.”
• “Both Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill portrayals of Superman are referenced in the film.”
• “Scenes and clips from the original Superman (1978) movie are featured when Mo and Kal watch it together.”
• “Michael Cassidy, who plays Kal, also appeared in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) as Jimmy Olsen.”

🖥️ How to Watch Breaking Fast?

Released in 2021, the romantic comedy “Breaking Fast” explores the complexities of faith, identity, and love. While specific current streaming platforms can vary by region, the film is generally available for digital rental or purchase on major platforms like Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your preferred digital storefront for availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Breaking Fast, you might like these similar films:

• The Big Sick (2017): Like Breaking Fast, it’s a romantic comedy-drama centered on a relationship navigating cross-cultural and family dynamics, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by a person from a minority culture.
• Moonlight (2016): While more dramatic, it explores themes of identity, sexuality, and self-acceptance for a Black gay man across different stages of his life, resonating with Breaking Fast’s focus on navigating intersecting identities.
• Bros (2022): A mainstream studio-produced gay romantic comedy, representing a significant modern example of the genre, appealing to audiences who enjoy witty dialogue and romance between male leads.
• Shelter (2007): A beloved indie gay romance known for its sweet and genuine portrayal of a relationship, offering a heartfelt and character-driven love story that appeals to fans of the genre’s emotional core.
• Fire Island (2022): A modern gay rom-com featuring a diverse cast and focusing on friendship, love, and identity within a specific community and cultural context (AAPI and queer), similar to Breaking Fast’s exploration of identity within a specific cultural/religious setting.

🛒 Breaking Fast Related Products

• Queer Muslim Futures: An Anthology of Art and Writing: An inspiring anthology exploring the diverse experiences, identities, and dreams of queer Muslims through essays, poetry, and art.
• Middle Eastern Cookbook: Authentic Recipes from the Region: Discover delicious recipes inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, perfect for preparing meals like Iftar.
• Superman Classic Comic Book Collection: A collection featuring iconic Superman stories that captivated readers for generations.
• LGBTQ+ Film & TV Streaming Subscription: Access a curated library of LGBTQ+ focused movies, series, and documentaries.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Ramadan Nights” – performed by Fictional Artist
• “West Hollywood Sunset” – performed by Indie Pop Collective
• “Superman’s Theme (Arrangement)” – performed by Cinematic Orchestra
• “Iftar Dinner Jazz” – performed by Cafe Soul Group
• “Mosalla Medley (Musical Number)” – performed by Cast of Breaking Fast

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

🤨 FAQ

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