Half Broken Things

Slightly above-average made-for-TV film with an interesting plot premise suited for the larger screen. The limitations of made-for-television cause some scenes to feel a campy in execution, though I appreciate the way in which the audience is treated with respect. The narration was poetic without feeling conceited, and the plot was cohesive enough for us to feel contented in the denoument, yet left enough inconsistencies, clues, and things left unsaid for us to contribute to the narrative with our own introspection and interpretations (ie. The true cause of death for certain characters.) In that aspect, the film contains an implied mystery, should one choose to read into it beyond a surface level, on top of its drama and suspense. As for acting, our star lead is as poetic and poignant as ever. What really caught my interest however is the young female co-star. She reminded me so much of a more amateurish Britanny Murphy should she be born in the UK, which I think was a perfect choice for the direction in which her character developed. Tragic, horrifying, and beautiful. A pleasant afternoon or evening watch.

I can't say I found this drama at all entertaining.

It started off ok with an interesting storyline but soon it degenerated to a level where it was impossible to have any sort of sympathy with the lead characters.

The inevitable ending was unfulfilling because there was no way that it could have ended positively.

Good performances, but flawed characters.

Downloaded from YouTube.

There is something so utterly implausible about this story but it is done so well that you can't help being sucked in and believing it. For the film makers to depict three varying dysfunctional and desperate characters whose behaviour is so morally inexcusable yet still manage to generate empathy in the viewer shows a great deal of skill and professionalism. Penelope Wilton is excellent in her understated portrayal of Jean, a pathetic and lonely old woman who slowly descends into madness. The actors who play Steph and Michael are brilliant, too. This is down to a credible script and great directing, as well as heaps of skill by both of the performers.

Make no mistake, this film is tragic and so will not appeal to a lot. There is a desperation and darkness throughout which is tangible and reminiscent of the atmosphere created in 'The Visitor', although this story's protagonists are unhinged and not just desperate and lonely.

British film making at its most intense and best.

What happens when three lonely people, all of whom are looking for something, be it love, support or comfort, encounter one another, and begin living a lie, a sumptuous, comfortable, glorious lie?

What a wonderful ninety minute drama this is, it's so incredibly weird and wonderful, but engaging, funny, intriguing, and has a real shock moment.

It starts off In a somewhat serious tone, then becomes an almost whimsical drama of wonder and disbelief, until the traumatic act that totally transforms the story.

Stef had come from an awful home life, Jason truly was a monster, Michael started off as a petty thief, was Jean perhaps the most deluded and crazed of them all? Did she perhaps cause the events?

I wonder if like me, you kept on waiting for people to turn up?

It's crazy, it's brilliant. 9/10.

Once in a while, a tv drama grabs your attention and becomes memorable. This is a tale of desperate people flung together, making the best of their lives under a cloud of a big lie.

Great performances throughout.