Breaking In (2018)
When I decided to give this film a shot, I expected a straightforward home-invasion thriller but what I got was a tense, adrenaline-pumping ride that showcases the lengths a good mother will go to protect her kids. Directed by James McTeigue, this film takes a familiar premise but adds a fresh twist by putting a strong, determined mother at the center of the action. Though it’s not without its flaws, it keeps you on edge with its high stakes moments and nail-biting suspense.
Spoilers
The film follows Shaun Russell (Gabrielle Union), who, after her father’s death, takes her two kids, Jasmine and Glover, to his remote, high-security home to settle his estate. What starts as a routine visit quickly turns into a nightmare when four burglars, led by the ruthless Eddie (Billy Burke), break into the house with the intention of finding a hidden safe. Shaun is locked out and her children are taken hostage inside the house, which is fortified with cutting-edge security technology.
What these criminals don’t count on is Shaun’s fierce determination and resourcefulness. She’s not just fighting to survive, she’s fighting to get her children out alive.
Armed with nothing but her wits and an unbreakable maternal instinct, Shaun engages in a deadly game of cat and mouse, doing whatever it takes to outsmart the burglars and rescue her kids.
My Review and Rating
Let’s start with the film’s biggest strength: Gabrielle Union. Her performance as Shaun is the heart and soul of this film. She doesn’t play your typical action hero, but that’s exactly what makes her character stand out.
Shaun is an ordinary woman in an extraordinary situation and Gabrielle Union makes every moment of her struggle feel real and raw. You can feel her fear, her desperation but most importantly, her determination. She’s not just trying to survive for herself, she’s doing it for her kids and that emotional anchor makes the film far more compelling than your average home-invasion thriller.
The tension in the film is relentless. Once the break-in happens, the movie doesn’t let up. There’s a constant sense of danger, and every move Shaun makes feels like it could be her last.
The house itself is practically a character, with its high-tech security features adding an extra layer of suspense. You never quite know who’s watching or what’s about to happen and that keeps the tension high throughout.
However, I have to admit, Breaking In has its share of flaws. First, let’s talk about the villains. While Billy Burke does a solid job as the cold, calculating leader Eddie, the rest of the gang feels like they walked straight out of the generic bad guy handbook. You’ve got the hot-headed thug, the tech-savvy weirdo, and the one who’s clearly in over his head. None of them feel particularly memorable and they don’t add much to the story beyond giving Shaun obstacles to overcome.
Another personal criticism: they honestly didn't have to include Shaun’s husband in all of the drama. The film would hahe excelled without him. His character only got me mad. Reason being that, he's muscular and all but can't stand one punch from a man thats not as huge as he is. If I were Shaun, I'd ask him to get rid of that John Cena look cause it's obviously of no use as he's nothing but a man with no skills or masculine strength.
Despite this film's somewhat predictable plot and a few logic-defying moments, it delivers exactly what it promises: a taut, suspenseful ride with a strong lead performance. It’s a film that makes you root for the protagonist every step of the way and Gabrielle Union’s portrayal of a mother’s unshakable resolve is what keeps the movie compelling. If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller that’ll keep your pulse racing, this one’s worth a watch - even if you occasionally have to suspend your disbelief.
Rating: 4/5