Broken

Synopsis

In Broken, directed by Rufus Norris, we explore the life of a young girl named Skunk (Eloise Laurence) living in a seemingly idyllic suburb. However, her innocence is shattered when she witnesses a brutal incident involving her neighbor, Rick (Tim Roth), which sets off a chain of events that complicates the lives of everyone around her. The film poignantly captures the struggles of adolescence, family dynamics, and the impact of violence. Skunk's journey takes her through the tangled web of friendships and rivalries, revealing the fractured nature of her community. With a strong performance by Roth as the troubled father, the film delves into themes of loss, anger, and the longing for understanding amidst chaos. 'Broken' illustrates how the world can become unforgiving and surreal, forcing its characters to confront their own brokenness as they seek healing and redemption.

Cast

• 

  Tim Roth

  Archie

• 

  Eloise Laurence

  Skunk

• 

  Cillian Murphy

  Mike Kiernan

• 

  Zana Marjanović

  Kasia

• 

  Robert Emms

  Rick Buckley

• 

  Rory Kinnear

  Bob Oswald

Reviews

Critics have delivered mixed reviews on Broken, which currently holds a 62% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film has been appreciated for its powerful performances, especially by Tim Roth, who portrays a father grappling with the complexities of his daughter’s traumatic experiences. RogerEbert.com notes, 'Norris deftly interweaves multiple narrative strands, presenting a poignant coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of suburban turmoil.' However, some critics felt the film didn't fully capitalize on its strong premise. According to The Guardian, 'While the film's intentions are commendable, its execution feels meandering at times.' With an IMDb rating of 7.2/10, many viewers praised its emotional depth, stating that 'it leaves a lasting impression and evokes deep empathy.' Metacritic's score of 53/100 illustrates a divide among critics, as some found the storytelling to be disjointed. Nonetheless, the performances and thought-provoking themes resonated with audiences who appreciate character-driven narratives.