6.0
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Breaking Upwards fingerprint
Funny, immersive world.
Energy
Tense
- Tension7
- Fast Pace5
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Romantic and moving
Much of it is about growing up.
- Romance8
- Pathos7
- Coming of Age7
Humor
Plenty of cringe comedy and sharp wit
- Cringe Humor8
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Situational Comedy5
World
Everyday modern life, a real life story, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Novelty8
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and dialogue
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Breaking Upwards is tense.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumRomantic and moving
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's romantic and moving. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Romance8Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
HighPlenty of cringe comedy and sharp wit
Expect plenty of cringe comedy and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Cringe Humor8Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy5Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighEveryday modern life, a real life story, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, a real life story, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Biographical8Lives of notable figures.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Pop Culture7References and cultural commentary.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and dialogue
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, characters, and dialogue stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Meta Narrative7Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
'Breaking Upwards' explores a young, real-life New York couple who, four years in and battling codependency, decide to intricately strategize their own break up. Based on an actual experiment devised by director/actor Daryl Wein and actress Zoe Lister-Jones, the film loosely interprets a year in their lives exploring alternatives to monogamy, and the madness that ensues. An uncensored look at young love, lust, and the pangs of codependency, 'Breaking Upwards' follows its characters as they navigate each others' emotions across the city they love. It begs the question: is it ever possible to grow apart together?
Independent Relationship DramaNYC Indie CinemaAutobiographical StoryCodependency ExplorationUnconventional BreakupContemporary RomanceDialogue-DrivenCringe ComedyMillennial RelationshipsEmotional Honesty
Actors
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Directed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Breaking Upwards
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Breaking Upwards worth watching?
50
MediocreGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 51/100 (IMDb 6, Rotten Tomatoes 60%, and Metacritic 56). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Breaking Upwards rated?
Sexual contentStrong language
Content advisories: sexual content and strong language.
How long is Breaking Upwards?
1 h 28 min
Breaking Upwards runs 1 h 28 min.
Is Breaking Upwards based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Breaking Upwards?
Critics58
Audiences59
Yes. Critics average 58 and audiences 59 out of 100, so both groups see Breaking Upwards much the same way.
What language is Breaking Upwards in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Breaking Upwards?
4
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Breaking Upwards in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.