Note: I worked on the PR campaign for this film, but this review is unpaid and reflects my honest opinion.
Dovey (Darren Mann) is about to be released from prison after serving several years. Before he’s released, his close friend and fellow inmate, Ray (Dermot Mulroney), approaches Dovey, seeking his help. Ray figures, given that he’s been there for Dovey during his various confrontations in prison, that Dovey owes him one. Ray asks Dovey to seek out his daughter, wanting peace of mind about her well-being, to know that everything is okay, and to know that she is happy with life. Dovey can’t bring himself to say no due to their past and time together.
When Dovey is released, he is given strict instructions and terms regarding his parole. Dovey decides to risk it all and break his probation in order to fulfil his promise to Ray and find his daughter, Eve (Alyssa Goss). Not only does Dovey find out that Eve is happy in life, but he soon starts to get to know her better by pretending to be someone else entirely. Little does Dovey realise he’s just unleashed a monster by reporting Eve’s location to Ray. Now Ray is headed straight to Eve, and nothing will stop him. But what lies between Ray and Eve?
I enjoyed Dermot Mulroney as Ray. Despite being a brutal criminal, his character is highly likable. Although Ray seems old and kind, it’s pretty apparent early in the film that he also has a violent and sinister side to him that is yet to be unleashed. Dovey, played by Darren Mann again, is great, but his character isn’t as likable as Ray. Dovey is more innocent and clueless, unaware that Ray has alternative motives and cannot see through the lies. The presence of the actress Mena Suvari was welcomed but sadly brief, and her potential in this film feels wasted.
Breakwater unveils its plot outline quickly and instantly, leaving the remainder of the film to be a slow burn with many predictable and apparent aspects. Some of this is centred around revealing Ray’s motivations and reasoning for using Dovey to find his daughter. Visually, Breakwater looks excellent and is dark and gritty, suiting the journey. The finale and reveals were weaker and mostly forgettable even as the credits began to appear. Ultimately, Breakwater starts strongly but soon becomes a petty crime story, missing opportunities in the climax, making it all passable and average.
Overall, Breakwater is a passable and OK crime story with minor, predictable thrills. Actor Dermot Mulroney as Ray is easily the film’s most significant praise point. He gives a fun performance as a kind-hearted criminal as well as a human monster hiding secrets. I loved that the film jumped into the story instantly, and the dark and gritty visuals looked fantastic. Sadly, the story is entirely predictable and obvious, plus its finale is more forgettable than the journey itself. Ultimately, Breakwater is okay with a few praise points and some missed opportunities.
Breakwater (2023) is Now Available in Australia on DVD and Digital
5.1/10
3rd July 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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