Netflix movies have been slated of late, with Polar and Io being two 2019 releases with less-than-glowing report cards from critics. Luckily, the streaming service seems to have a hit on its hands in the form of The Breaker Upperers. The film wasn’t made by the streaming service but it has provided a home for it outside of New Zealand and Australia.
It’s about two cynical women in love, setting up an agency to break couples apart.
Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek write, direct and star; with cast support from James Rolleston and Celia Pacquola.
At time of writing, it has a hefty 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
“The Breaker Upperers brings the laughs early and often, thanks to the dry wit — and effervescent chemistry — of writer-director-star duo Jackie van Beek and Madeleine Sami,” the consensus reads.
The Guardian gave a three-star review, saying: “The film coasts off the energy and rapport of this affable pair, whose smart-mouthed performances are full of pep and fizz.”
In a B+ critique, Variety said it “feels marvellously shaggy around the edges – their personalities pop – until after a whiplash-funny first hour, they play it safe with an everyone-gets-a-hug Paul Feig-style climax.”
Writing after its SXSW outing, Flickering Myth gave four stars.
“The Breaker Upperers is filled with hysterically funny jokes, infectious energy and an honest story about friendship being the most important relationship,” they said.
“Prepare yourself for some great cameos (every New Zealander is in this movie).
“This marks a new addition to the New Zealand invasion of comedy. And I, for one, welcome our new kiwi overlords.”
And News.com.au beamed: “The Breaker Upperers is packed full of that awkward, dry-as-a-desert Kiwi wit – the unmistakable rhythm of a bloody good time at the movies.”
The Breaker Upperers is streaming on Netflix now.