There's a certain allure to the pool hall, isn't there? The hushed anticipation, the sharp crack of the cue ball, the intense focus etched on a player's face. It's a world that can feel both intimate and dangerous, a microcosm of life itself played out on a green felt battlefield. This is the world Eli finds himself drawn into in the new drama, 'Break'.
Eli's journey begins with a revelation: his absent father wasn't just some distant figure, but a legend in the Detroit pool hall scene. This discovery propels him into a world he never knew existed, a world steeped in the traditions and the raw realities of the game. It's not just about sinking balls; it's about confronting the shadows of his father's legacy and, perhaps more importantly, the shadows within himself.
Directed by Will Wernick, with a screenplay penned by Dikega Hadnot, Spencer Mandel, and Wernick himself, 'Break' promises to be more than just a sports film. It delves into themes of identity, family, and the often-unseen underbelly of a seemingly straightforward game. The film boasts a cast that brings these complex characters to life. We see Jeff Kober as Jimmy, Patricia Belcher as Hattie, and Uriah Shelton as Trev, among others. Victor Rasuk plays Draper, and Evan Shafran steps in as a Pro Pool Player, adding an authentic touch to the on-screen action. Caleb Emery as Cheese and Wendy Braun as Leslie also contribute to the rich tapestry of characters Eli encounters.
Braedyn Bruner plays Millie, Glenn Taranto is Mr. Wilkinson, and Rick Fitts portrays Ronald. Steve Richard Harris takes on the role of Tommy King, while Brittany Mcvicker plays Cheeses Girlfriend. Darren Weiss embodies Eli, the young man at the heart of this unfolding drama, and Dillan Ostrom plays Dylan. Mataeo Mingo rounds out the ensemble as Denzel.
The visual landscape of 'Break' is shaped by the cinematography of Akis Konstantakopoulos and the production design of Alexah Acuña, aiming to capture the gritty, atmospheric essence of the Detroit pool halls. Daniele Truocchio's score will undoubtedly play a crucial role in amplifying the emotional weight of Eli's quest. It's a collaborative effort, from the casting director Jeffrey Gafner to the editor Daniel Gibb, all working to weave this compelling narrative together.
'Break' is a story about stepping into the unknown, about understanding where you come from to figure out where you're going. It’s about the game, yes, but it's also about the human drama that unfolds when you dare to face the past and the challenges it presents.
