Movies

Wyatt Russell Faces Frostbite and Family Drama in This Twangy Rodeo Adventure

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In the movie “Broke“, bull riding serves as a flexible symbol for the human journey. Overcoming setbacks and pushing through life’s highs and lows are themes that resonate in significant rodeo-themed films, such as “8 Seconds” with Luke Perry, “The Rider” directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao, and not many others, as rodeo isn’t a common theme in movies. Thus, “Broke“, written and directed by Carlyle Eubank, stands out as the most prominent rodeo-focused film in recent years due to its talented cast led by Wyatt Russell, who is often likened to a “dime store Captain America”, and the dependable Dennis Quaid.

The duo forms an admirable cinematic father-son duo, providing a steady ride as “Broke” treads on both familiar and unsteady new paths. Russell delivers a standout performance, marking the peak of his rising acting career. He is deeply moving and fits perfectly in the role of True, a dedicated bronco rider who struggles to accept his career’s decline due to injury.

Among True’s potential careers, he may opt for sketch artistry, a part of Eubank’s script that seems somewhat unconvincing. Interestingly, Broke, which contains several lines from Dylan Thomas’ poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, has an unexpected touch of intellectualism that contrasts with Eubank’s portrayal of rural Montana existence. However, True’s resistance to yield to family pressure and hold onto his dwindling dream is a common theme that can strike a chord with many people, regardless of their perspective on rodeo.

‘Broke’ Features Rocky Mountain Highs and Tragic Lows

In a bid to ensure that another Western set in the Rocky Mountain region won’t seem repetitive, Eubank narrates True’s story through flashbacks while depicting his escape after getting lost during a blizzard. The movie starts with an unconscious True Brandywine waking up, buried under snow that stretches as far as cinematographer Charlie Sarroff’s camera can capture. The mystery of where True is and how he ended up there is left for the end. Initially, Eubank takes us to the rodeo scene, a place where Eubank, who also wrote Broke’s script, exposes the hardships faced by bareback bronc riders. Regardless of whether True manages to stay on his horse for the crucial eight seconds, he will likely be vomiting and taking pills soon after, while also forgetting his ATM PIN due to numerous head-traumatizing falls.

Before the story fully unfolds, Eubank paints a picture of the Brandywine family’s everyday life with delicate strokes that feel familiar yet draw us comfortably into the narrative. Quaid, who is shaping up to be an authentic embodiment of rugged American integrity (as seen in his roles in ‘Reagan’ and ‘The Substance’), portrays True’s father, George. A retired rodeo rider, George spends his days perusing the newspaper and voicing disapproval over True’s unclear post-rodeo life choices, which only serves to irritate True further. His passion for the sport is so strong that he can’t imagine retiring, a sentiment he communicates to his younger brother, Caleb (Johnny Berchtold). The initial scenes depicting their sibling bond are the most sincere and heartwarming in the movie.

‘Broke’ is like ‘The Revenant’ But With Rodeo

As True’s rodeo journey ends and his blossoming relationship with nurse Ali (Auden Thornton) becomes more intense, Eubank occasionally takes us back to the harsh winter landscape. In this frozen wilderness, a frostbitten True struggles to survive, mirroring the story of ‘The Revenant’. He utilizes truck seat padding as makeshift insulation, creates a trap for scarce frontier food, and anxiously attempts to ignite his last match for heat. These scenes, reminiscent of Joseph Conrad’s style with hints of Jack London, mainly captivate due to their uniqueness and the impending internet sensation of a bearded Wyatt who bears a striking resemblance to his bearded father, Kurt, from John Carpenter’s ‘The Thing’.

Disregarding existentialist perspectives, the film “Broke” relies on familiar motifs and an impressive performance from Russell, effectively masking the fact that much of it is unoriginal and not always effective. Following a chance encounter due to a faulty engine, True’s romantic pursuit of Ali follows a predictable path. Regrettably, the contrivances in Eubank’s script become apparent as he attempts to distinguish True from his brother, Caleb. Shy and unsuited for rural living, Caleb is depicted as a lover of video games, zombie literature, and incapable of killing a squirrel. His sudden decision to join the Marines feels forced and serves only to increase tension around True.

‘Broke’ Manages To Name-Check ‘The Big Lebowski’

In time, feelings of self-pity consume True, despite Ali’s assertions that he would excel as an artist. It seems strange to think there’s no niche for him in his cherished rodeo realm, and becoming the next Frederic Remington appears to be his best bet. However, there’s something about True that doesn’t quite align with this artistic path. Even though one might not question his appreciation for auteur cinema, when he reveals his horse’s name is inspired by “The Big Lebowski,” it sounds more like a discordant cowboy’s yell than a harmonious note.

As a movie enthusiast, I found “Broke” to be a compelling, though predictable, Western drama that delves into contemporary career struggles, albeit with some shaky scenes. The filmmaker, Eubank, takes us on a journey along a fresh, yet sometimes rocky, path, skillfully blending modern-day concerns with the authenticity of the Wild West. Tom Skerritt delivers a brief, but impactful performance in this mix. Despite its familiar narrative, the film’s genuine portrayal of the Western landscape and empathy towards its characters kept me hooked for more than just the iconic eight seconds of a rodeo ride.

The movie “Broke” was produced by Hercules Film Fund, Rhea Films, Slow Burn, and Wild West Picture Show Productions. On May 6, it will be available for digital rental or purchase through Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

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2025-05-04 07:33

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