Initially I was unsure about this one, I managed to catch it at Frightfest 2016, now I'm so glad I took the plunge.
What starts off as a very slow, claustrophobic little two hander kitchen-sink drama descends into misery about a carer, Evie, and her ex rock star tetraplegic client John. I must point out here that the director spent time as a carer looking after people with spinal injuries. He mentioned in the Q & A after the screening that a lot of the story is based on actual events. How much of this is true I don't know but it must've been a very depressing occupation but this adds to the realism of the scenes, something I couldn't imagine doing myself considering I cry at the sight of blood, poo and sick! Evie has a troubled past and is running away from her past and finds herself taking the job as a carer, caring for a guy who is fighting his disability and on a hell-bent binge into drug fueled chaos and debauchery... Still with me? The film is led by two absolutely brilliant performances from both Evie, played by Morjaina Alaoui (MARTYRS) and Mel Raido (GEMMA BOVERY). If these two were off the ball at any point during the film it would have been a very different story, full of disabled clichés.
The film is filled with intense moments and some tender moments between them. The script is indeed incredibly sharp and at no point does it shy away from the day-to-day routine/monotony of what it is to be a carer or client. Don't get me wrong, the film is difficult to watch and at times it's incredibly dry but the building of tension keeps it afloat.
The supporting cast are all fantastic with special kudos to Craig Conway who plays slimy letch, Dougie - a character I have come across on more than one occasion in my life :( This isn't a spoiler review so I won't give anything away but what begins as a drama/psychological thriller turns into something completely different towards the end, I thought it was a the perfect ending to a very unique little film. They use music as a contrast to the bleak surroundings and the score itself is both haunting and beautiful.
I can see this being a 'love it or hate it' kind of movie but I can honestly say that I loved it, from the claustrophobic surroundings to the solid performances BROKEN is a film I will watch again and again.
