Film of the Week: Breaking Upwards

Made for under $20,000 and based on the lead couple's own romantic shenanigans, "Breaking Upwards" may sound like it's too indie for its own good. But writer-director-star Daryl Wein and his co-writer/leading lady Zoe Lister-Jones more often than not deliver charming, original and very, very authentic insights into young adult longings and New York Jewish family life.
When, after four relatively contented years together, Daryl and Zoe get bored and decide to take a few days per week off from each other, the resulting breath of fresh air becomes increasingly toxic with promiscuity, jealousy and parental interference. This all may sound like old news, but great character work and a general avoidance of behavioral cliches really make this likably scruffy, smart film fresh and involving.
It's worth trucking down to the Sunset 5 to check it out. Especially tonight and tomorrow, when the even-more-engaging-live Wein and Lister-Jones will be in attendance.