WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
To entrust something to someone is to have an unwavering belief that not only will that which was offered to said person be guarded and treated with respect, but that you also have absolute assurance that they will fulfill that which they have promised in return. Sometimes, however, commitment can turn to sobering revelation. For six young adults–Tomas (Marcos Esteves), Steven (Michael Stahler), Jacob (Oren Dayan), Jenny (Cynthia Bravo), Liz (Justine Herron), and Emily (Rayne Bidder)–a new shared experience will shape their lives more than they know. Having volunteered for a research facility’s drug-testing program, under strict rules for one month, the six slowly begin to bond, despite minor clashes in ideologies and attitudes.
In particular, Steven, an aspiring screenwriter, becomes tied to Tomas, an arrogant philosopher, who ultimately discovers Steven’s infatuation with Emily. Promising he can help Steven attain his goal of having the girl of his dreams, Tomas asks in return that Steven assist him in creating a script. Deciding it seems like a feasible plan, the two embark on this mutually beneficial adventure, with initial successes on both ends bringing satisfaction and further anticipation of their end goals. However, as the days drag on, constantly badgered by the research doctors seeking effects of the test drug on each of them, it becomes an exercise in shattered expectations, strained friendships, hidden agendas, having to face the harsh realities of betrayal, and the price paid for the loss of timeless acknowledgement.
Next, my Mind:
As with any ensemble cast effort, so much of the film’s strength or weakness falls onto both the quality of writing and the manner of execution/direction provided in order to allow said cast to carry the narrative forward and maintain its audience’s engagement throughout. With witer/director/co-producer Miguel Garzon Martinez’s 86-minute character-driven drama, this is pulled off quite successfully thanks to an uncomplicated, straightforward tale of newfound amity and understanding between total strangers turning into an object lesson in coping with their own pasts, dealing with questionable present circumstances, broken rules, the fracturing of trust, and startling truths. Visually clear and steady cinematography follows the events with purpose and ease, as the unfolding affairs presented lead up to a finale that seems one way on the surface, but actually carries far-reaching ramifications than one might initially realize, which makes it that more effective.
As mentioned earlier, this is truly an ensemble cast effort, and as such, each actor involved plays an integral role to the proceedings. Stahler is excellent as the intelligent but somewhat socially awkward Steven, a young man filled with potential and film-related dreams whose need to get out of debt and be able to write the ultimate script is paramount. Watching his character’s transformation is quite affecting here, as it illustrates how a changing social environment and interactions can impact someone. Likewise, Esteves is equally engaging as Tomas, a totally ego-driven, self-proclaimed philosopher whose words of wisdom combined with his raging self-importance and suave personality seems harmless enough, if only annoying, until his real motives are unveiled. Again, it is viewing this character’s manipulation of certain events that makes it have the impact it does, and Esteves enacts this well.
Bidder is effective as the soft-spoken, girl-next-door Emily, whose quiet demeanor may actually mask internal turmoil and damaged facets of her life that she’s still hanging onto. As the object of Steven’s unrequited affection, the exploration of that dynamic between the two is carried off with an innocence at first that potentially leads to disappointment for both of them, and Bidder very much embodies this throughout the film as her character is developed. Bravo’s Jenny, an internet-obsessed young woman who almost shuts down to certain extents once having that removed from her existence due to the program rules, actually ends up being a wonderfully charming character who may have her own hidden crush on one of her fellow group members. Dayan’s minister-in-training Jacob remains a more intentionally subdued character, as his religious ideologies clash with the others, especially Tomas. Yet, Jacob remains constant in his convictions, and his influence is undeniable, well played by Dayan.
Finally, there is Herron’s Liz, a rather withdrawn, angry, embittered woman whose desire to simply endure the test program, get her money, and leave usually keeps her away from the others. However, as the film progresses, we see her open up at least a little, and Herron’s overall performance as the character is quite fun to watch. Supporting turns are provided by Maria Olsen, Michael Keeley, Rob Roy Cesar, and Daniel Jimenez as the nurse and primary doctors respectively running what could be a much more devious program than realized by their test subjects. In total, “The Broken Legacy” is a wonderful independent film drama that does what so many films within the genre accomplish by providing a quality narrative and character-based entertainment.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
