Breakwater (2023) User Reviews

A limp, but passable film

[Boristhemoggy · 5/10 · 28 January 2024]

Breakwater is about strong character, always fulfilling a promise, making food out of bad, and how being naïve can lead you to bad choices and negative outcomes.

There's a couple of twists along the way that you may or may not suspect are coming. But they liven up the film as it's pretty flat in terms of emotion and excitement.

The only character that really comes alive is Mena Suvari's barmaid, Kendra. The rest all fall flat for the most part but they carry out their roles OK enough to not make the film a B movie. Darren Mann is the exception, who's acting and affected voice just makes you want to scream at the screen. He was very badly cast for the character he had to play.

Nevertheless it's an easy watch that doesn't demand much from the viewer, the storyline is actually not bad at all, and production values were pretty decent. You will never watch it again, and it won't last in your memory, but you won't hate giving up an hour and a half of your time to see it.

Loyalty, Retribution and Betrayal in the Outer Banks

[dubond · 5/10 · 23 December 2023]

From the outside looking in this movie appears to be an inferior version of Cape Fear. However this is a well made indie movie that is equal parts mystery and thriller.

The story is engaging enough to also keep you hooked all the way through. Performance wise Dermot Mulroney maybe gives one of his best performances ever as Ray and director James Rowe probably watched Cape Fear before making this because Mulroney's performance here reminded me a lot of De Niro's from that movie. Alyssa Goss also does well with her role. Daren Mann as Dovey is the one who really gives a breakout leading role performance here and I hope to see him in more things going forward.

The film sort of feels rushed in the last 15 minutes however and the ending could've packed more of a punch. Overall though for a direct to video indie film this was above par mostly due to the strong performances from both Mann and Mulroney and the strong direction from James Rowe.

Breakexpectations

[kolay-79373 · 5/10 · 7 January 2024]

Step off the road Nicolas Cage. Wellcome Dermot Mulroney. Mulroney thank you for the "The Rumbler" but it was in 2013. I like the prison theme and about half time of the movie i was in interest. I wasn't guessing what's going on. Thought it will be searching for gold and diamonds movie like as "Into the Blue" 2005. The inspiring beginning after half of the film slowly began to slide into a cheap drama for three people. Actors are running beetween house and boat. Weak motivation, Tears, stupid self sacrifice. Where are another persons? Where are police at last? Yes, i remember few film with the same location but its have a incredible actor perfomans. Mulrones can plays bad guy but not this time.

As predictable as A,B,C. About as interesting.

[Xavier_Stone · 1/10 · 27 December 2023]

Dermot plays his usual average bad guy role, and I just checked and there are 142 films with him in it, all mostly playing the same sleaze villain. Not much range, but it's expected.

The other two actors have loads of experience as well, but as of yet have not have much of a break out role. Add to this a new director/writer and you basically signing up to watch an average film at best.

The problem is that it is so straightforward and predictable that it gets boring rather quickly. Throw in a few "of course" moments to create plot points and move the film along it's path along the railroad track.

The ending isn't much, but again, as expected and wrapped up quickly.

1/10, as this movie doesn't bring anything to the table, no action, no tense moments and therefore no reason to watch it as there is absolutely nothing new here.

It wouldn't surprise me if this was a AI generated script based on previous movies of the same genre. Might as well start replacing Dermot with and AI clone as well as he's never going to change either.

thank you for...

[ops-52535 · 7/10 · 22 December 2023]

All the fantastic scenic and aerial views filmatographed during the making of this movie, that itself is a major reason to why you should watch ''breakwater''.

For the rest its made , even though its on the high end of the acceptable nervescale of violence, for the hallmark and lifetime fantasts, cause it has the slicky romance and a touch of eroticism and love mingled with a sore family story(-ies) that the american audiences love and adore...

but its edible thinks the coming of age hardcoreaction grumpy old man, its got twists, action and turns that youll just find in comic stripsfantasy that may ring a bell, the blood and the gore youll have to arrange yourself.

SURPRISES HERE & THERE...3-LEADS DELIVER...ENGROSSING STORY & SOME SHARP CINEMATOGRAPHY

[LeonLouisRicci · 7/10 · 1 May 2024]

The Extremely Prolific Dermot Mulroney (142 Credits), Fresh-Faced Darren Mann, and the Cutie-Thespian Alyssa Goss,

All Bring a Good Game to a Coastal Village Where Secrets and Treasure are Revealed that Make this a Somewhat Intriguing Independent Dramatic-Thriller.

It's a Good Edgy Mystery with Multi-Dimensional Characters, a Quick Pace and Sharp Sea-Side Images (shot with one camera and no CGI).

The Story Goes in Different Directions Now and Them and Keeps Viewers On-Their-Toes. Some Revelations May Make a "Suspension of Disbelief" Mandatory, but it Does Not Interfere too Much with the Entertainment Factor.

Overall, it's a "Dark" Tale that Leans into Neo-Noir Territory as a "Lifer" (Mulroney) Grooms and Protects a Young Inmate and Asks a Favor when the Latter is Released.

This Sets in Motion a Chain of Layered Events Containing Enough Depth and Skullduggery that Makes it an Above Average Film in its Class and is...

Worth a Watch.

WOW! That was really good for an indie!!

[gunn-wrights · 8/10 · 25 December 2023]

I mean, no big budget explosions or choreographed kung-fu fights, but it had a decent story, and that's what matters!

I have seen some reviewers compare this movie to 'Cape Fear' - and while I can see the resemblances, I liked this movie better. The acting and cinematography were outstanding. It is a bit slow, but it had to be in order to build the characters. I promise, it will keep your attention the entire time.

There are several twists, which I found very entertaining. And the ending had to be what it was - no, it's not grand, but it's true.

RECOMMENDATION: Add this to your list! It's definitely worth the watch!!

Intriguing plot twists

[juliamianni · 10/10 · 2 January 2024]

This film contained intriguing plot twists and good performances - Dermot Mulroney was excellent in this. Plot twists are a roller coaster of surprise and revelation, defying expectations and adding layers of complexity. I thought the cinematography was great. Every frame is thoughtfully composed, immersing the audience in a stunning cinematic experience and keeping you engaged from start to finish. The soundtrack complemented the visuals extremely well, amplifying the emotional resonance. Hope to see more of this quality from the the team - attention to detail shines through. I would highly recommend this film!

Great little movie

[howardallenruss · 9/10 · 1 January 2024]

What a refreshing indie movie. This may be an indie movie but it doesn't feel like one. The production and acting make it feel like a full on Hollywood production. The storytelling is quite compelling. It's very refreshing to watch a movie that's actually filmed where it's set. I'm from Northeastern NC and it is nice to see familiar landmarks in a movie. And no I'm not a paid shill here writing a review. I really can't say much more other than it's a movie I would readily watch it again. I'm not much on words when it comes to reviews. I'm just saying that's it a great movie and if you're reading this I would encourage giving it a watch. You won't regret it.