The Breaker Upperers

The Breaker Upperers is a 2018 New Zealand comedic film co-written, directed, and starring Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek. The dynamic duo isn't alone; they share the screen with the invigorating James Rolleston, in a film where the funny bone is repeatedly tickled with a sweet bite of reality.

The storyline of The Breaker Upperers is woven around the unconventional business of two best friends, Jen (Jackie van Beek) and Mel (Madeleine Sami). As their business name suggests, they professionally undertake the task of breaking up unhappy couples for a fee. The entire premise is as deliciously quirky as it sounds. The movie navigates through the peculiarities of the modern dating world, incorporating the tropes of love, friendship, and heartbreaking realities in a light-hearted yet thought-provoking manner.

Mel and Jen, the two protagonists, share a rather unique bond. Having had their hearts broken years ago, they pledge allegiance in their crusade against romance. They're the bearers of the bad news, the indiscreet messengers who deliver break up notes, the ones who facilitate faux kidnappings and pregnancies to make love vanish without a hiccup. Their cynical outlook on love and relationships underpin the comedic tone of the film.

However, beneath the eccentric plot and hilarious antics lies the depth of the film. It scrutinizes the highs and lows of female friendship, the delicate balance of polar personalities, and the unnerving vulnerabilities that inch their way in. Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek infuse their characters with a rawness that is remarkably refreshing, bringing out two female leads that are relatable, fortifying, yet flawed in their own beautiful ways.

James Rolleston, as the innocent and love-starved rugby player Jordan, brings his own flavor to the movie. His character, enamored by the more experienced Mel, provides some of the funniest and most touching moments in the film, humanizing the idea of heartbreak and the longing for love that often gets lost in everyday hustle.

Besides the notable performances by the lead cast, the film is replete with a series of laugh-out-loud cameos from familiar faces. The Breaker Upperers' strength rests in its unusual concept, brought alive by whip-smart comedic writing, and a cast that thrives on sparkling chemistry and impeccable timing. There's a constant volley of punchlines and physical gags, coupled with shocking confessions that keep the viewer at the edge of their seat, albeit with a permanent grin on their face.

At a deeper level, the film navigates through the landscapes of female solidarity, the blurred lines of ethics in modern relationships, and the complexity of love in today's ever-evolving society. Despite the consistent laughs, The Breaker Upperers doesn't shy away from posing complex emotional questions pertaining to loneliness, heartbreak, and the lengths one would go to dodge the discomfort of separation.

The Breaker Upperers also evokes a sense of nostalgia. Jen and Mel share a retro-style office space, and the film’s soundtrack is layered with 90’s pop tunes which create a vintage undertone. The cinematography is vibrant, capturing the quirkiness of the plot and the enigmatic energy of the cast. It sets the atmosphere for the idiosyncratic happenings of the storyline, raising the film above your typical farcical comedy.

The direction by Sami and Beek deserves special mention, as they manage to weave a narrative that is both humorous and heartfelt. Balancing comedy with underlying gravitas is no mean feat, and the duo pulls it off with utmost grace and sensibility. Their shared experiences and natural banter breathe life into their characters, and the film as a whole. What sets this apart is the unapologetic honesty and frankness that forms the backbone of the film, transforming a conventionally uncomfortable topic into an engaging and entertaining spectacle.

In conclusion, The Breaker Upperers is a brilliant specimen of classic New Zealand humor fused with universal emotions. It's outrageously hilarious, yet subtly insightful. It’s a story about romantic misadventures, but at its heart, it's a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the power of laughter in times of despair. The movie is a rollercoaster of emotions that promises to leave audiences laughing, reflecting, and ultimately, thoroughly entertained.