Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Outrageous buddy comedy has swearing, sex, drug use.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Breaker Upperers
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
- On DVD or streaming : February 15, 2019
- Cast : Madeleine Sami , Jackie van Beek , James Rolleston
- Directors : Jackie van Beek , Madeleine S
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 82 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate