Written and directed by Julian Berger, who co-stars in the film as Palms, the best friend of Hudson Klass’ Austin Caldwell, a heartbroken college senior. Mourning his past relationship, he becomes obsessed with the “Big Break” song competition, convinced that the only way he’ll be able to move on, is if he wins. Also starring: Marie Zolezzi and Sage Moore.
Jumping into Big Break it’s hard not to quickly connect it with films like Reality Bites, classic pieces of mumblecore and the newer generation who have created their own version of it, like Cooper Raiff with Shithouse. It throws back to that simpler, character driven, everyday and intentionally messy style of cinema. Capturing the mundane along with the dramatic, embarrassing or awkward moments that any real person would cringe if they were captured on camera. Even with a direct placement of High Fidelity to then tie things perfectly with the theme of breakups.
An absolutely vital element of creating a film which plays with that overtly grounded style is balance, and Julian Berger perfectly captures that by introducing Stella (Marie Zolezzi). Austin and Palms portray that typical young, male energy, it’s friendly and supportive but can also be competitive and slightly chaotic, random or lovingly dumb. It’s entertaining but having it as the sole basis of a film can tire as time goes on, so bringing through Stella’s more compassionate, responsible and sarcastic energy perfectly rounds out the trio.
Though it’s not just Berger’s writing that hits that balance, the performances cement it further. Starting with Hudson Klass bringing that classic post-breakup destructive, depressive and deprecating attitude. A big part of that is creating the right level of pathetic, he has to be crumbling enough but not too much so that he loses his sympathetic edge, and Klass manages that challenge well. He pushes the boundary of it but there’s always a redeeming moment or a vein of comedy which keeps him on the right side of the line.
Its sense of humour is added to by Klass but definitely largely comes from Berger’s Palms. He has a happy-go-lucky attitude which holds an easy charm, Berger also does a fantastic job of capturing kind and sensitive qualities. That said, he still holds onto the typcial flaws you’d find in most young men, a little bit of arrogance, jealousy and short-sightedness. Marie Zolezzi’s performance then brings out the best in the both of them, she heightens the warmth of Big Break. Adding a certain sweetness and frank personality that pushes them in the right direction.
Big Break is a relatable and charming post-breakup adventure. One friend having the best of intentions to help another when he’s struggling, while not really having a clue what he’s doing. It dives into insecurity and dealing with painful emotions, while adding a playful musical element. It’s funny and down to earth, the style is consistent throughout, it’s shot well and the writing creates the right balance of energies. The leading trio are really enjoyable to watch and it always feels real but never becomes sad or morose, it always has one foot in comedy.
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