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Movie Review: <i>We Broke Up</i> Starring Aya Cash and William Jackson Harper – Unconventional Surprisingly Endearing Rom-Com

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Directed By: Jeff Rosenberg

Written By: Jeff Rosenberg and Laura Jacqmin

Cast: Aya Cash, William Jackson Harper, Sarah Bolger, Tony Cavalero, Kobi Libbi, Azita Ghanizada, Zak Steiner, Peri Gilpin

Runtime: 1hr 20 minutes

Studio: Vertical Entertainment

Release Date: April 16, 2021 – In Theaters – and April 23, 2021 On Demand

Reviewer’s Rating: 4 ★★★★★

Sometimes, we get a little stuck in our routines. It’s easy, we know the drill, and it’s comfortable. Stepping outside those comfort zones can be scary. But what happens when the guy you’ve been with for a decade pops the question? Will you say yes?  We Broke Up explores what happens to a couple, Doug (William Jackson Harper) and Lori (Aya Cash), when the question of marriage pops up and the answer isn’t quite what’s expected.

Director Jeff Rosenberg, who also co-wrote the script with Laura Jacqmin, delivers a quaint, unconventional romantic comedy that looks underneath the awkward silences to find the root of the problems that plague Lori’s indecision. Albeit a slow-paced film, We Broke Up is full of comedic moments lightly peppered in with some family drama and hijinks when Lori and Doug decide to keep their recent break-up a secret while they attend Lori’s younger sister Bea’s (Sarah Bolger) wedding.

Trailer: We Broke Up Starring Aya Cash, William Jackson Harper, In Theaters April 16, On Demand April 23

Throughout the film, we learn a bit about Lori’s past through her family as they gather at Camp Arrowhead for Bea’s impromptu nuptials to Jayson (Tony Cavalero) whom she just met a month ago while traveling. Jayson is a bit older, divorced, and has a son from his previous marriage, and he’s a bit of a carefree spirit which compliments Bea’s spontaneous nature. Some are skeptical of these two, especially Lori and Bea’s mother Adelaide (Peri Gilpin) who seems determined to rain on the parade every chance she gets.

Perhaps I’m partly biased because I’ve always wanted to go to a summer camp; however, I find the pre-wedding games, which includes lots of alcohol consumption, set to the theme of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox looks like a lot of fun. While it may sound a bit childish, especially since the groom-to-be is nearly 40 years-old, I say, you’re as old as you feel. Right?

Pictured (L-R): Sarah Bolger as Bea, Tony Cavalero as Jayson, Aya Cash as Lori — WE BROKE UP — Photo Courtesy of Vertical Entertainment

As the story progresses, Doug and Lori, while staying in the same cabin, share separate beds as they navigate the family encounters over the three-day wedding weekend. The awkward tension between them spans the entire film; from the moment they are in the car after the infamous proposal to near the end of the film. We Broke Up maneuvers through the delicate balance and nuances of a couple’s decision to put up pretenses about their broken relationship to save face while figuring out their next moves. If they meet someone, is it ok to explore that road or is it too soon or insensitive?

L-R: Aya Cash and William Jackson Harper star in WE BROKE UP — Photo Courtesy of Vertical Entertainment

We also learn reasons why Lori and Bea are the way they are through some backstory shared in various moments throughout the movie. Lori’s complacency hinders her growth. She’s happy to stay in a monogamous relationship with Doug and not move forward because things are “fine” as they are. While Bea tends to be super spontaneous and impulsive, she’s habitually inconsistent in her follow-through.

Pictured (L-R): Sarah Bolger as Bea, Aya Cash as Lori — WE BROKE UP — Photo Courtesy of Vertical Entertainment

At the heart of the film, while the premise is based on Lori and Doug’s relationship imploding, there is a wonderful heartwarming story with Bea and Jayson. I found myself rooting for Jayson despite my initial thoughts which mirrored Adelaide’s. We Broke Up is well-acted and surprisingly endearing. The comedy is placed very well throughout without overpowering the essence of the film’s message. Sometimes, you must rock the boat to get it to move. Being happy doesn’t mean you have to be complacent.

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Photos: ©2021 Vertical Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.

Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.