H. Nelson Tracey’s feature film directorial debut with Breakup Season dives into the uncomfortable world of breakups, only to magnify an already emotionally cringed scenario and forcing everyone involved to deal with the elephant in the room. Ben (Chandler Riggs) and Cassie (Samantha Isler) are headed to rural Oregon to meet Ben’s slightly eccentric family for the Christmas holiday. Before she even steps into Ben’s parent’s house, Cassie is already unhappy, and she proceeds to end her and Ben’s relationship in a late-night fight on the first evening in Oregon. Unfortunately, horrible weather prevents Cassie from leaving Oregon, and the entire family embraces and endures Ben and Cassie’s breakup.
Breakup Season is a well-crafted story about a situation many could never or want to imagine. It is a testament to Tracey’s ability to develop characters and a storyline, honing his creativity to make a timeless independent film. Yet, its Breakup Season’s supporting characters that carry the film to an already-known ending that Cassie will eventually leave.
Ben’s father, Kirby (James Urbaniak), is the glue to the film and the father you may have always wanted with an addictive but bizarre personality that you can’t help but love. He lets a situation play out but ultimately lets you see the light at the end of a long, winding train tunnel. Along with Ben’s mother, Mia (Brook Hogan), who has the family wired and has the intuition that only mother possesses, Kirby and Mia are a match made in heaven—adding to what becomes a scrutiny of relationship knowledge throughout the film.
“…forcing everyone involved to deal with the elephant in the room.”
Ben’s sister Liz (Carly Stewart) is comic relief with her influencer-girl life, which is very well played. Liz offers another level to the breakup theme within her own situation, as does Ben’s brother Gordon (Jacob Wysocki), who provides another level of discomfort in Breakup Season and deadpan humor that slides through the film with the blending of everyone’s character.
Perhaps what makes Breakup Season interesting is the drama is less about Ben and Cassie’s breakup and more about how a family dynamic exists no matter the situation and the support of one another. Ben and Cassie almost move to the background because Ben appears to be weak, and Cassie more or less a selfish chic. However, they are forced to deal with themselves through Ben’s family and their unique personalities, and they are stuck in a small town in the middle of Oregon. A Christmas gift exchange is where Breakup Season wraps up in a bittersweet and satisfying ending, with a warm, lasting effect for something that began seemingly cold and heartless, and we finally experience the breakup, but not without some lasting effects.
All the elements of enjoying a good holiday film, any time of year, exist in Tracey’s Breakup Season with an appealing soundtrack, quality editing, and creative direction, making this indie film a promising seasonal classic for 20-somethings and the rest of us.
"…a promising seasonal classic for 20-somethings and the rest of us."
