Brakes

Brakes is a 2016 British independent movie that explores the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with falling in and out of love. Directed by Mercedes Grower, the movie features a phenomenal ensemble cast including Julian Barratt, Kelly Campbell, and Seb Cardinal among others.

Running for about 88 minutes, Brakes takes us on overlapping journeys of couples who are each at different stages in their relationships. The movie is an unflinchingly raw depiction of the chaotic emotions felt in the beginning, middle, and the end of love affairs. It is split into two halves named 'Falling Out' and 'Falling In', each one offering a different perspective on love, heartbreak, passion, and regret.

The first part, 'Falling Out', presents the messy ends of these relationships. It focuses on breakups, showcasing the range of reactions and emotions that people experience when relationships break down irreparably. From anger to pain, denial, humiliation and quiet resignation, it is a hodgepodge of human emotions that are as varied as they are powerful. Each scene is loaded with bitterness, melancholy, and sometimes comedic awkwardness.

Then there's 'Falling In', the part of the movie that shows how these relationships began. It provides the audience with a glimpse into the start of their love stories. Placing the end before the beginning, the film draws attention to the contrast between the joyous, hopeful beginnings and the devastating, sometimes ugly endings.

With its clever storytelling technique, Brakes investigates the interesting paradox of love – how the most intense, passionate affection can turn into resentment and indifference. It prompts the audience to question how love can transform so dramatically, creating a captivating blend of drama and introspectivity.

The performances delivered by the cast are undeniably intense and satisfyingly authentic. Each actor gives their character depth and vibrancy, making them strongly resonate with the audience. Julian Barratt's performance is exceptionally powerful and commanding, creating a lasting impression.

The casting is diverse and the characters are well-drawn. The relationships featured in the film encompass a diverse range of ages, backgrounds, and professions, making the situations more relatable. Thus, the movie does a brilliant job of capturing the universal truths about love and heartbreak.

Despite dealing with the serious subject of love and breakups, the film also has its funny moments. Its dark humor punctuates the drama, providing much-needed relief to the intense emotions displayed. The exploration of relationships gone sour has been interspersed with situational comedy, making the narrative engaging and not too heavy-going.

In terms of production, the indie movie boasts a low key yet stylish representation. The cinematography captures the grit and beauty of London – the principal setting of the film – in a visually stunning manner. The intense close-ups add to the feeling of intensity, making the audience feel like a part of the unraveling drama.

Brakes is also accompanied by a unique, fitting soundtrack that accentuates the emotional journey portrayed in the movie. The music selection covers a range of genres and enhances the sentiment of each scene, adding another layer of depth to the narrative.

The true success of Brakes lies in its bare, unpolished portrayal of love and its subsequent demise. Mercedes Grower's vision of love's genealogy is a stark, almost shocking narrative that troubles but also enlightens. It's a film that takes us on an eccentric, non-linear journey through the highs and lows of romance.

In conclusion, Brakes is a fantastic showcase of indie cinema – bold, raw and poignant. It's a unique narrative, heavy with emotional density and interspersed with humor that acts as a balm. It's not your conventional love story but it's this very unconventionality that sets the movie apart. After all, it's not often that one comes across a film that captures romantic beginnings and endings in such a raw yet poetic manner. Brakes might not be a comfortable watch, but it's certainly thought-provoking and unexpectedly profound.