Broke

The story is simple, knowing its limits and never exceeding them. The actors are all great, the music is great, the scenery excellent. For a modern western, it fares much better than anything else I have watched.

Also, Russell proves himself to have calibre as an actor, knowing how to use his physique and looks, and even his eyes work perfectly to express emotion and thinking without having to overdo it. The female lead was great, as was the brother. The big stars of the film, Quaid and McDonald were fine, but nothing too much. What stands out though, even more than the beautiful scenery, is the script. A good, honest story. Will be looking for this director's next film.

Wyatt Russell and Dennis Quaid give a top notch relationship through a rugged, restrained intensity as an aging and faded rodeo rider and emotionally distant father, adding depth to their fraught dynamic. It could be argued as a played out stereotype, but I think it still added to the character background in a meaningful manner. Director Carlyle Eubank's debut is visually striking and thematically rich, with a haunting score and authentic atmosphere. Though the pacing lingers at times, the film's raw honesty and poetic structure make it a standout. A must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas.

This film left me thinking more about it when it was over. I guess my score is a bit harsh. I'm sticking with it though because it made me feel desperate & futile whist I was watching it and reminds me of troubles I have with my own children. Maybe that's the point of filming such stories. There are some predictable story lines, some direction you might not expect. Yes, I guess this is a modern day Western. I love the locations and the cinematography - go on, it's worth a watch. No spoilers here but it could have ended in a number of ways. I pondered why this had scored so highly on the Prime reviews and concluded it's all very credible, could happen and the relationships are well worked through.

Carlyle Eubank's "Broke" centers on True Brandywine (Wyatt Russell), a bareback bronc rider grappling with the twilight of his rodeo career. The film immediately immerses the viewer in True's solitary struggle against a sudden and brutal spring blizzard. Trapped by the unforgiving elements, True must confront not only the immediate threats to his physical well-being but also the underlying circumstances that have led him to this precarious and isolated existence. The narrative subtly suggests a deeper story of past choices and present consequences, hinting at an internal reckoning that unfolds alongside his desperate fight for survival.

Wyatt Russell delivers a compellingly physical and emotionally raw performance as True. He embodies the weathered resilience of a seasoned rodeo athlete pushed to his absolute limits by the harsh environment. His portrayal captures both the outward grit required to battle the storm and the inward vulnerability of a man facing his own mortality and regrets. While Dennis Quaid's presence adds a layer of seasoned gravitas to the film, the core of the narrative rests firmly on Russell's ability to convey the protagonist's isolation and his internal battle for survival and self-reflection.

Comparing Russell's acting style to the veteran Dennis Quaid reveals distinct approaches. Quaid often brings a certain confident energy and seasoned presence to his roles. Russell, particularly in this isolated survival scenario, leans into a more grounded and emotionally exposed portrayal, allowing the audience to witness the character's internal struggle and physical deterioration.

Considering Wyatt Russell's work in relation to his father, Kurt Russell, reveals both shared intensity and individual nuance. While Kurt often imbues his characters with a charismatic and sometimes larger-than-life quality, Wyatt frequently opts for a more introspective and emotionally vulnerable approach. In "Broke," this translates to a portrayal of True that emphasizes his quiet resilience and the internal battle he wages alongside the external one. This nuanced depiction of a man confronting his past while fighting for his life showcases Wyatt's distinct talent for conveying complex emotions through subtle yet powerful means.

Ultimately, "Broke" is a stark and intense character study set against the unforgiving backdrop of a natural disaster. Anchored by a compelling performance from Wyatt Russell, the film delves into themes of survival, resilience, and the arduous process of self-confrontation. It promises to be a raw and emotionally resonant cinematic experience, focusing on one man's desperate fight against the elements and the internal reckoning that accompanies such extreme isolation.

This film is a grounded and realistic portrayal of a Rodeo athlete but still maintains that artistic and cinematic magic. This film proves to be both emotionally provoking as well as inspiring!

Furthermore this film honors the American culture of rodeo and ranching as well as free thinking and art. It brings back an older generation film feeling of telling a deep and intimate story that will resonate with anyone but it is set against a modern backdrop. It also indicates to the audience how alive and well western culture still is.

I truly believe this is an engaging must see film for anyone and everyone!