“Breaking” (2022), offers a gripping portrayal of Brian Brown-Easley, a former Marine struggling with PTSD, who, in a desperate bid for justice, holds up a bank to reclaim his unfairly withheld disability check. The film, grounded in a real-life incident, shines through its powerful performances, especially by John Boyega as Brian, capturing the complex interplay of power and vulnerability inherent in his character’s tragic circumstances. 

The film’s treatment of its sensitive subject matter has been praised for its empathy and depth, offering a nuanced look at the challenges faced by veterans in the United States. The supporting cast, including Michael Kenneth Williams, Nicole Beharie, and Selenis Leyva, provide substantial performances that enrich the film’s emotional landscape. According to Roger Ebert’s website, the film is praised for its bold and tragic portrayal of Brian Brown-Easley, a former Marine with PTSD who takes a bank hostage. The review highlights John Boyega’s incredible, humanizing performance that captures the desperation and complexity of his character’s situation. TheWrap also commends “Breaking” for its memorable performances and engaging filmmaking, despite some narrative shortcomings. The film is recognized for its tough observations on race, the police, and the treatment of veterans, marking an impressive feature debut for Corbin. Michael Kenneth Williams, in one of his final roles, delivers a stellar performance that contributes significantly to the film’s impact. Flickering Myth describes “Breaking” as a refreshingly daunting task of portraying an act of terror with empathy, based on true events from 2017. John Boyega’s portrayal of Brian Brown-Easley is highlighted for showing the desperation to retrieve funds wrongfully withheld by the Veterans Affairs.