Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Divorce romcom is a "feel bad" comedy; language, vaping.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Breaking Them Up
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BREAKING THEM UP, 15-year-old Damian (Jakob Wedel) is exhausted by his mom and dad's constant bickering. He believes they'd all be happier if his parents just got divorced. So, with the help of his best friend, Erin (Tess Aubert), Damian sets out to make sure his parents find true love ... with other people.
Is It Any Good?
What may have started out as a comforting comedy for children of divorce results in a film so bitter that you might as well call it an anti-family film. A teen sabotaging his parents' marriage in hopes that they'll cheat on each other and split up is the antidote to the feel-good romcom. Is it an original concept? Yes. But that's because it's such a bad idea. Even dismissing this effort as "entertainment," the story is more problematic than mind-easing, no matter what circumstance a family is facing. And making vaping look cool in a film geared toward tweens and teens is downright reckless.
The positive is that the dialogue is witty and openly acknowledges its inspirations. Some viewers may get a kick out of the love letter to Hitch, but the real issue is how it twists The Parent Trap. Films that show divorced parents getting back together can set up false hopes for young viewers, but it's perhaps even more detrimental for a film to suggest that parents who argue are destined for divorce. And then there's the takeaway that all good things must come to an end, including love. Finding "your person" is one of the most anticipated events in many people's lives, which is why so much art revolves around it. To create a piece of work that diminishes the hope of finding everlasting love is a cynicism no one needs, especially kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about divorce's impact on families. Do you think Breaking Them Up deals with the topic realistically?
Discuss how Hollywood typically depicts love and romance. How does that compare to what enduring, unconditional love looks like in real life?
Is vaping glamorized here? Adults, discuss how the vaping industry has pursued kids.
Imagine the consequences if Damian's plan had worked, or had worked on just one parent. Is there a "good" way to end a relationship?
What are some of the ways in which this movie meets the criteria of being a "romantic comedy"?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 15, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : October 15, 2021
- Cast : Jakob Wedel , Tess Aubert , Stephen Schneider
- Director : Dev Wadhwa
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Mill Creek Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some strong language and smoking
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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