The Breaker Upperers

Movie review by Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media
The Breaker Upperers Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 16+

Outrageous buddy comedy has swearing, sex, drug use.

NR 2019 82 minutes
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Parents say

age 17+

Based on 2 reviews

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  • The Breaker Upperers Movie: Mel & Jen on the Lookout
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  • The Breaker Upperers Movie: Confronting Sepa
  • The Breaker Upperers Movie: Jordan and Mel

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Breaker Upperers is a female buddy comedy from New Zealand about two best friends who provide a "break-up" service for folks who are either too cowardly or inept to split up with their partners (both heterosexual and homosexual) on their own. The BFF's own close friendship gets tested as well. Viewers can expect lots of swearing (i.e., "f--k," "s--t," "c--k"), bawdiness (i.e., "wank-dank," p---y," "vulva vaginitis," "banging"), and comically-raunchy situations (off-camera oral sex, a striptease). There's some frenetic, often silly sexual activity (i.e., kissing, undressing) as well as conversations about sex and exaggerated sexy dance moves. Characters drink alcohol in multiple scenes with some drunkenness. Cocaine (or phony cocaine) use is played for humor in a few scenes. Vomiting occurs (though not in relation to the ingestion of alcohol or drugs). Though comedy is at the heart of all of the questionable behavior, it's only appropriate for mature teens.

Community Reviews

JuniperBlossom
JuniperBlossom Adult
February 28, 2019
age 16+

Funny, But Rating Is What's On The Tin...

Netflix lists this movie as rated "Mature" and categorizes it as a "Late Night Comedy," which means there is sexual/mature content... The intended audience is people in their late twenties to early forties based on a lot of the jokes and references, but I believe there is a lot of great humor for people from all generations beyond just 80's-90's kids. There's a brief scene at a bachelorette/hen party, including penis hats. References to sex between a woman in her 30's/40's and a 17-year-old. The two main characters put on a (very tame) strip show for another woman. There is definitely a lot of swearing and creative sexual innuendo/jokes. Despite all of the sex jokes/situations, people generally keep their underwear on. There are several drug references (cocaine and marijuana) and lots of drinking. I think of this movie as a New Zealand "Bridesmaids." The plot is different, but the humor is in the same vein and one of the main characters looks a lot like Kristen Wiig. It's definitely not a movie that's for everybody, as it has a specific and very Kiwi sense of humor. Personally, I found it hilarious, but, in my opinion, the funniest parts are in the Netflix trailer.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
iratemovies
iratemovies Adult
February 21, 2019
age 18+

y i k e s

I was SHOCKED by the presence of sex in this movie. My family wanted a fun lighthearted Netflix movie and were taken aback when within about 15 minutes, main characters were having sex. I don't doubt its production value, but the movie centers around poor behaviors and therefore lacks much of a storyline.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Mel (Madeleine Sami) and Jen (Jackie van Beek) have created a unique business in THE BREAKER UPPERERS. Break-ups are their specialty. Hired by folks too cowardly to confront their "loved ones," the clients' unsuspecting partners are given the heave-ho by Mel and Jen. Disguises, tall tales, faux pregnancies, even police visits are all tools of their trade. Having met when they were being two-timed by the same man, the friends' business has become their life's work. It's also made Mel and Jen soulmates, if not a romantic team. Unfortunately, one "creative separation" threatens to undo the entire enterprise. Jordan (James Rolleston), a young rugby player, wants to break up with the formidable Sepa (Ana Scotney). Mel will pretend to be Jordan's unshakeable girlfriend. And, indeed, sparks fly between the two. When another spurned lover turns up to intrude, things get even shakier between Mel and Jen. Will their relationship be strong enough to withstand those who want nothing less than to facilitate the break-up of the breaker-uppers?

Is It Any Good?

With a profusion of dazzling comic actors in tow, a smartly bizarre premise to launch their unique brand of buddy comedy, and lots of talent, Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek make a terrific debut. Writing, directing, and starring in The Breaker Upperers, the two women make their Kiwi sense of humor accessible for everyone. Each of the distinctive performers seems to be having great fun, and it's contagious. Special applause to Ana Scotney for an the unforgettable Sepa. It's raunchy. It's over the top. But everyone plays it for real, so it isn't campy, it's just funny.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about movies that include comic drunkenness, laughable sexual activity, and drug use meant to elicit laughter. Does the humor make it any more suitable for teens, or is it still inappropriate? Why? How does your family determine which comedies are okay for kids?

  • What is the meaning of the term "dark comedy" (aka "black comedy" or "gallows humor")? What situations in The Breaker Uppers would be considered dark comedy?

  • In what ways might Mel and Jen be considered role models in spite of their zany behavior and misbehavior? What makes them sympathetic characters?

Movie Details

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