We Broke Up | Film Review

 

I knew nothing about this film before seeing the premise, but the premise was cute and intriguing, so I decided to watch it straight away.

When Lori (Aya Cash) and Doug (William Jackson Harper) break up before Lori's sister's wedding, they decide to pretend that they're still together until the wedding is over.

I thought this was going to be a cute, funny rom-com, but it wasn't what I expected, and to be honest I didn't really like it.

The main couple have a lot of obvious chemistry. Even from their first moments on screen you believe that they're a couple. These characters are also really endearing and sweet, particularly Doug.

It felt like the break-up was only used as a plot device. There was no reason for it, and because we don't get to know the characters at the beginning of the film, the break-up felt like it came completely out of the blue.

The story outside of the main couple, primarily focused on the wedding, wasn't that interesting, and neither were the secondary characters. After a while, even the main characters start to get a bit boring.

While the main couple do have chemistry, it was hard to believe that they had been together for 10 years, particularly when it became clear what some of their arguments were about. How had they been together for 10 years but not discussed marriage?

I really wish that this film had been a comedy, because the characters, setting and storyline really suit it. It didn't work well as a drama at all. The dramatic storylines felt out of place.

I appreciate that the story subverts your expectations, but the problem with it is that overall it's quite bland, and not very entertaining.

And then there's the ending, which is fine, but feels like it comes too quickly. Is that really all the film wanted to say?

Overall, I'm not a fan of this film, and probably won't watch it again. The plot didn't work with the genre, and it would have been much better if it had been a straightforward rom-com.

2.5/10