‘Breakwater’ Review – A Rousing Thriller Of Fling Meets Fraud

Synopsis: On North Carolina’s Outer Banks, those left after the tourist season have known this strip of sand their entire lives—or washed ashore here with nowhere else to go. Just up the coast, Dovey walks out of a Virginia prison at 22, after promising older inmate and mentor Ray to seek out his estranged daughter. Ray believes she has settled down on the Banks. Dovey soon learns that leaving the state will land him right back in jail, but he owes Ray. So he breaks parole to track down Eve, who looks to have built an idyllic life in the seaside hamlet. As they grow closer, Eve’s dark past closes in on them both.

Love will make you do irrational things. From spending ungodly amounts of money to committing crimes, anything can happen when your brain isn’t leading the way. Being a human, it’s almost unavoidable that you will find yourself somewhere on the “did it for love” spectrum at some point in life. Let’s hope you can keep yourself out of handcuffs unless they’re the fuzzy kind.

“The Devil doesn’t come for the innocent.”

While it’s said that no good deed goes unpunished, it shouldn’t stop you from doing the right thing. Written and directed by James Rowe, Breakwater is a rousing thriller of fling meets fraud. What initially begins as a redemption story for a young mild-mannered Dovey slowly deteriorates into an incredible series of unfortunate events and deception. Deadset on keeping a promise that he made to a felon named Ray in return for years of protection, what was a simple task is actually more nefarious and twisted than it seems. Moving smoothly through each scene and act, this film gets more interesting with each passing minute. From his first interaction with a woman, family drama, romance, to sacrifice and the ugly truth, Breakwater is nothing short of entertaining. Moreover, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, and in a story like this, you have to see it through to the end.

“It’s your turn to wake up afraid.”

While the performances are decent, it’s the story and its details that will keep you glued. Unfortunately, some of what unfolds may seem somewhat unrealistic. People who wouldn’t trust anyone, miss all of the red flags, its romantic romp happens unnaturally fast and without caution, and there are a few other instances that will leave you scratching your head. Nevertheless, once you get caught up in its twists and turns, you’ll negate the faults and want to get to the bottom of all the lies and misdirections. Featuring symbolism and metaphors that intertwine themselves perfectly with this semi-nautical debacle, the film almost feels like a novel.

There is some great camerawork as the serenity of the coastal setting is juxtaposed with the diabolical and violent undertones. The score lulls you into a false sense of security as you initially think that you’re watching a sweet love story unfold, to later discover that Dovey as well as you have been fooled. This may not be the thriller of the year but it does something very well and is definitely worth a watch. Its rewatchability is medium.

Pacing & Pop

While the film may not feel like a full-fledged thriller, it moves at a thrilling pace. Even with its lively tempo, we are hit with the perfect amount of information and reveals at the right time. What popped for me were all of the twists and turns. When surprises start coming, they come fast. They certainly make the story increasingly more fascinating.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Dermot Mulroney, Darren Mann, Alyssa Goss, Sonja Sohn, Mena Suvari

While the chemistry was a little stiff, the character archetypes really worked. Dovey (Darren Mann) wants to see the best in everyone, especially if they’ve helped him at some point. He’s a man of his word who is in need of female companionship, but those same qualities also get him into trouble. Ray (Dermot Mulroney) is a felon, a conman, and a master observer. He always has scheming and scamming to get what he wants even if it takes years. Lastly, Eve (Alyssa Goss) will do anything to survive. It’s her and her daughter against the world.

Breakwater premiered at Cinequest on August 19, 2023. Remain safe and listen to your parents.

Rated: N/A

Runtime: 1h37m

Director: James Rowe

Writer: James Rowe Producers: Matt Paul, Dana Lustig, Larry Hummel, Edward Winters

Director of Photography: Kai Krause

Music by: Roque Baños

Editor: Caroline Ross