Drama Unfolds in Detroit’s Gritty Pool Scene

Read Time:3 Minute, 45 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Break
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 46m
Director(s): Will Wernick
Writer(s): Dikega Hadnot, Spencer Mandel, Will Wernick
Cast: Jeff Kober, Patricia Belcher, Uriah Shelton, Victor Rasuk, Caleb Emery, Wendy Braun, Steve Richard Harris
Where To Watch: showing in select cinemas across the U.S. and Canada on April 26, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: BREAK pulls us into the edgy world of Detroit's dark and dingey pool halls, where our protagonist, Eli (Darren Weiss,) navigates life's hits and misses while trying to figure out where he belongs. Balancing multiple jobs and family responsibilities, Eli's discovery of his father's legendary status in the local pool scene forces a profound reevaluation of his roots and personal ambitions, making this not just a movie about sports but a nuanced exploration of self-discovery and identity.

In the hands of director Will Wernick, BREAK transforms the gritty locales of Detroit's pool halls into a grand stage for drama and introspection. The game of pool transcends its recreational boundaries, becoming a powerful symbol for the characters' trajectories, mainly influenced by Wernick's familial bonds to the sport. This is the second film I’ve watched this year about the game of pool, and while on the surface level, you would think there’s not too much depth in the game, it’s the world around the game that brings life to these films.

It’s Weiss’ portrayal of Eli, who finds himself amid a strong ensemble cast that includes seasoned actors like Victor Rasuk and Jeff Kober. Their performances, alongside newer talents such as Petra C. Matheson, enhance the film's range while grounding it in authenticity and raw emotional appeal.

The screenplay, a collaborative creation by Dikega Hadnot, Spencer Mandel, and Wernick, carefully explores Eli's struggles with issues inside and outside the pool halls. It presents a storyline that offers complex character development. This narrative keeps viewers interested as they follow Eli's internal and external battles, making each scene a critical piece of his evolving identity puzzle.

As Eli masters the strategies of the pool beyond what he thought he knew, he faces life's harsher lessons with love and the complexities of familial legacies. BREAK is at its best when exploring Eli’s battles within himself, from confronting his past to breaking the shell he’s hiding in and paving the way for his future. Even if some things in the script are predictable, the film’s story manages to overcome those struggles.

Weiss brings Eli a personal touch, blending his experiences with his character’s conflicts to deliver an authentic and relatable performance. His rigorous preparation, including extensive pool training, adds a layer of authenticity that audiences will appreciate. You can tell that Weiss and Eli are the same; while there’s acting involved, Weiss embodies this character.

BREAK provides an impactful film experience, as it looks beyond the surface of its underdog sports theme to explore more profound questions of legacy and personal identity. With its engaging plot and sincere character portrayals, the film invites viewers to reflect on their lives and the legacies they navigate. It is poised to win over audiences with its truthful storytelling and poignant look at overcoming adversity to forge a unique path in the world.

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[photo courtesy of METAMEDIA, GRAVITAS VENTURES]

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