Broken City

Broken City (2023), directed by Terry Spears, is a fairly engaging low budget crime thriller. The plot and its events are pretty unique. The camera work and styling of the film is raw, which I think works in its favor. However, with most low budget films it has its constraints and downfalls. For me, that was the acting, music, set design (or lack thereof), and at times the continuity. Those were the noticeable elements that took me out of the experience.

I really liked how unpredictable the story was though. If you are looking for something different; a unique indie crime thriller with grit, this may just be the one for you.

"Broken City" immerses viewers in a gritty world of economic struggles, crime, and moral ambiguity, weaving a tale of desperation and bold choices. What starts as a struggle takes a dramatic turn as the characters resort to unconventional measures, including robbing affluent homes for financial gain. This film tackles economic injustice with a darker, more thrilling perspective. The indie, down-and-dirty quality enhances its allure. This is not a Hollywood movie; it feels like a raw and authentic portrayal of a harsh reality. The film delves into the messy world of crime, starting with good intentions and spiraling out of control, portraying a reality where there are no winners. "Broken City" keeps it real.

A surprisingly well-structured story. It's a criminal heist premise where a gang of 3 thieves (with a 4th 'inside woman' acting as babysitter) rob wealthy households of jewelry and belongings. When they enter the home of a big mark businessman (and his loopy girlfriend who is half his age) , complications make it take longer than expected, tempers flare, and things come to a head. Standout performances from Ria Gill as Maya and Ronnie Angel (former pro wrestler in real life) as Andy. Script by Jonathan Smith shows solid understanding of storytelling for movies. Score by Peter Howard works best during thrilling passages. Def check it out.

A really intriguing, exciting movie. A film dealing with economic injustice, it is definitely in a similar wheelhouse with "Emily the Criminal." But this is a darker, more thrilling take on the sub-genre. It is a suspenseful film that pulls no-punches. The action builds and our feelings and loyalties are conflicted. The indie down-and-dirty quality of the movie is part of its allure. This is not Hollywood. You feel you are watching something real and visceral unfold. It is a very smart and taught movie, with realistic performances that make the story seem all the more real. Well directed and written, this film will pull you in and keep you guessing. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Terry Spears' Broken City is a topical tale of Maya and Desmond who in need of money, attempt to steal from the wealthy with the help of the more nefarious-minded, Andy. The blend of social justice issues with the more thrilling elements, make it an unique crime drama. Watching the slippery slope as our righteous heroes (both people of color) fall deeper into a tangle of amorality, ill-minded attempts to reset the scales of justice with their mostly white victims.

Ria Gill was a standout performance and the direction and writing by Jonathon M. Smith and Terry Spears keeps things moving. Worth a watch!