The Broken Ones

The Broken Ones is a heartrending American drama that premiered in 2017. This independent film was brought to life by a variety of talents, including lead actress Cece King, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The film is directed by Elyse Russell and beside King, it features sterling performances from Charlie Bewley and Constance Shulman.

The Broken Ones looms with deep psychological exploration as it deftly spins a narrative about dealing with grief, mental illness and related stigmatization. The film delves into the quest of the lead character to find strength amidst chaos, further revealing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The captivating drama glimmers to life with the main protagonist, Andrea Kelly — a character brought to life by Cece King. A college dropout and aspiring artist, Andrea seems to be living a seemingly normal life, until viewers are pulled under the surface of her shackled reality. Struggling with the scars of grief from losing her parents and marked by a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia, Andrea grapples with the challenge of balancing her mental health with the expectations of a cold, judgmental society.

Then enters a caring therapist named Jacqueline brought to life by Constance Shulman. Jacqueline is empathetic and patient, supporting Andrea as she wrestles with her illness, guided by her hard-earned wisdom and understanding of her patients' pain. She serves as a tactful guide and a beacon of hope in Andrea's life while managing her own internal tribulations.

Along these tangled lines of painful reality, the film introduces another character, Matthew, brilliantly portrayed by Charlie Bewley. Matthew is a businessman who crosses paths with Andrea, being initially drawn to her due to her charm and passion for art. However, as he gets more entwined in Andrea's life, he's presented with a choice to either become a lifeline in her struggles or to retreat from the harsh realities of living with mental illness.

The narrative thoughtfully explores the lives of the title’s "broken ones", and how they cope with it — whether it is the therapeutic relationship between Andrea and Jacqueline, Andrea's continuous struggle with her mental health, or Matthew's navigation around maintaining a relationship with Andrea amidst her challenging state of mind.

This poignant drama doesn't shy away from the harsh realities but instead dwells deeply into the misogyny of the society often faced by females battling mental disorders, unraveling the struggle against society's branding of individuals with mental health issues.

The Broken Ones is also a subtle narrative on love and its potential to heal, portraying love in a new light. As the characters journey through their individual trials, they reveal how integral relationships become in shaping their identity and giving them the strength to manage adversity.

The performances are strong, with Cece King powerfully portraying a tough yet delicate Andrea. The film features a strong cast, with Bewley showcasing his ability to empathize with Andrea's character's ordeals, and Shulman encapsulating the patience and perseverance of a mental health professional. Director Elyse Russell carefully manifests the screenplay with subtlety, nuance, and grace.

In sum, The Broken Ones is an engaging, thought-provoking drama that reconnects audiences to the heartbreaking reality of the struggles surrounding mental illness. It is a deep glimpse into the realities of humans who are relentlessly fighting their battles, persisting, and surviving. The film is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit's endless capacity for healing.

Whether you're seeking an insightful film about mental health, a heartfelt human drama, or a profound exploration of life's adversities, The Broken Ones offers a refreshing perspective that resonates with the viewer, long after the credits roll.