Breaking & Exiting

Breaking & Exiting is an offbeat romantic comedy-drama that presents a timely societal message and tackles thematic strands with a gentle, humor-infused approach. Directed by British filmmaker Peter Facinelli, the film stars Milo Gibson in his career-forwarding performance along with a profound ensemble cast inclusive of Jordan Danger and Adam Huber. Released in 2018, this movie aims to capture the essence of a non-conventional love tale, twisted with scenes of attempted robbery, existential regrets, and redemption, all while exploring the murkier sides of human vulnerabilities and insecurities.

The movie unspools the story of Harry, a charming, perennially down-on-his-luck burglar brilliantly portrayed by Milo Gibson. Harry is the quintessential fast-talker with a captivating charisma, a smooth operator led astray by his character imperfections. We see him delve into various burglarizing activities with his equally opportunist partner Sam, played by Adam Huber. Together, Harry and Sam form a duo of misdirected souls, lost in their reckless endeavours for easy loots.

However, things take a dramatic turn when Harry breaks into the seemingly deserted suburban home of Daisy, portrayed with finesse by Jordan Danger. What follows is a maddeningly insightful series of events that harp between romance and tragedy, ending up in situations one wouldn't conventionally expect to uncover in such a scenario.

Jordan Danger, with her compelling portrayal of Daisy, enhances the narrative, giving it a life beyond predictable support structures. Her nuanced performance brings a depth to her character that is despondently beautiful and surprisingly quixotic. Daisy is more than what meets the eye; she's a woman of hidden depths and dark complexities, possessing a life riddled with untold stories that starkly contrast her blissfully unassuming exterior.

The dynamics between Gibson and Danger play a significant role in shaping the movie's ambience, effectively grounding the narrative to human emotions and sensitivities. Their animosity, despair, attraction and connection encapsulate the audience into a cocoon of larger-than-life feels that giggle, weep, stumble and bloom at unexpected junctures. The chemistry is raw, underplayed, weighed heavily with emotions, and yet it unfolds like a soft murmur in the vast expanse of two tangled lives.

Supporting Gibson and Danger is Adam Huber's character Sam, who, despite his outer gruffness and unscrupulous demeanour, is sketchily humane at his core. His presence in the movie provides a contrasting, albeit minor, subplot that complements the main narrative arc and punctuates the main story with needed breaks and balances.

The unique flavour of Breaking & Exiting emerges from its balanced cocktail of dark humour and genuine sensitivity. The film is not afraid to delve deeper into melancholy and despair but it never lets go of the thread of redemption, hope and the transformative power of unexpected relationships. The plot effortlessly straddles the bitter-sweet symphony of reality, effectively depicting the characters' personal trials and tribulations each battle.

The cinematography deserves a special mention for its unobtrusive storytelling techniques that capture the nuanced details of each character and their evolving dynamics. The colour palettes and locales lend authenticity to the story, adding meaningful undertones that align with the narrative flow.

The film never dives into overdone drama or employs sensational tactics to hook the audience. Instead, it relies on its thoughtful storytelling and nuanced performances to depict the turbulent ride of its characters, all the while inducing a sense of anticipation and curiosity in the audience.

Breaking and Exiting is undeniably an interesting effort in presenting a humane tale of broken relationships, self-discovery and unexpected alliances in the most surprising of circumstances. Each thread of its narrative weaves together to offer a distinct take on a troubled yet charismatic burglar turned reluctant saviour, set on a collision course of self-evaluation and life-altering decisions, paving the way towards an exciting viewing experience that leaves a lasting impression.

The film might not be the conventional type of comedy-drama but it's definitely a thought-provoking endeavour that smartly blends heartbreaking moments with laughter, painting a realistic portrayal of life at its most unpredictable, layered and memorable, stirring strong emotions and engaging viewers throughout its course. It's not just a story of an opportunistic burglar and an eccentric woman; it’s also a testament to life’s serendipitous surprises and the inexplicable human capacity to evolve, adapt and overcome.