Buoyed by an absolutely stellar cast giving it their all, Breaking hits hard. Boyega of course is the centerpiece, infusing the role with heart aching humanity. He even gets you laughing in this tense, sad film, and you can't look away. And Michael K Williams... forever one of the greats, elevating his role with that earnest heart, no pretension or walls around him, he makes it feel real, like he truly does care. What I'd give to have him reassuring me. Just watching him work got me tearing up, having to accept he's gone too soon all over again. The fact that his final scene is one of the last we'll have of him only makes it all the harder hitting.

Then there's Beharie, so underrated and bringing so many complex emotions to what could've been a simple role. She's honest, angry, empathetic, and above all else desperate to just get back home to her son. Leyva makes you ache for her and want to protect her, and Britton takes a simple journalist role and gives it her usual heartfelt spin. Everyone here is giving their best, and the people behind the camera match their energy. They know how to let these stars shine, how to capture every nuance on their faces. On top of that, there's some graceful transition shots and some tasteful choices made I really appreciate.

The biggest weakness is that it could've hit its themes a little harder, could've come with a little more bite, and tightened up the ending to send us home. But the performances alone make it a must see.