The Breaker Upperers

The Breaker Upperers 2019

Runtime

90 min

Language

English

English

Made by

Netflix

Netflix

Test your knowledge of The Breaker Upperers with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Breaker Upperers (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Jen and Mel operate The Breaker Upperers, an unconventional agency based in Auckland dedicated to aiding individuals in breaking up with their partners. Their methods often defy norms, such as when they impersonate police officers to inform a woman named Anna that her husband’s corpse is missing—while he is actually hiding in their car.

Having been friends since their twenties due to a shared romantic interest in Joe, who has since returned to town with his family, Mel has moved on while Jen remains fixated on him. Meanwhile, Mel finds herself attracted to a teenage client, Jordan, who is too intimidated to end his relationship with his fierce girlfriend, Sepa. This budding romance causes quite a stir, especially after a confrontation with Sepa and her crew leads to a slap across Jen’s face. Not long after, Mel and Jordan begin dating.

Their complex lives take another turn when they encounter Anna once more. Still under the impression that they are law enforcement, Anna seeks their help, and the bond between her and Mel grows, leaving Jen feeling neglected. Eager for answers, Anna presses them for information regarding her husband’s case.

In a comical yet precarious situation, Jen and Mel don police attire and infiltrate a local precinct, only to be mistaken for strippers by an officer. The ensuing embarrassment leads a furious Anna to exit their lives, branding their enterprise as morally questionable. The weight of Anna’s reprimand resonates with Mel, prompting her to think about leaving the agency, which infuriates Jen. Bitter memories resurface as Jen reminds Mel of her previous fallout with Joe, blaming her for their split.

Later, during a meaningful dinner, Jen expresses her enduring feelings for Joe, only to be met with ridicule and the acknowledgment of his past infidelities. He insists that while he was a wayward partner before, he’s now matured.

Meanwhile, Mel continues her involvement with Jordan. Though he shows genuine affection, she questions his maturity and recognizes he still harbors feelings for Sepa, who has been a pillar of support in his rugby aspirations. A chance encounter at a shop reveals Mel is pregnant, complicating her feelings about Jordan and their future together.

Determined to play matchmaker, Jen seeks out Sepa’s help. At the local pub, as Jordan celebrates securing a rugby contract with the Gold Coast Titans, Mel begins to worry when he suggests giving up the opportunity to stay by her side during her pregnancy. However, Sepa steps in, expressing her reformed feelings for Jordan before serenading him along with her posse. In a powerful moment of friendship, Jen dedicates a song to Mel.

Ultimately, Mel encourages Jordan to recommit to his rugby career while promising to support one another, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation with Sepa. As the dust settles, Jen and Mel mend their friendship, transforming their agency to assist clients with both break-ups and make-ups. The film closes on a hopeful note, revealing Anna and Mel have reconciled, while Jordan thrives in the Gold Coast, cherishing moments with his infant daughter.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Breaker Upperers (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Establishment of The Breaker Upperers

Jen and Mel start their unconventional agency named *The Breaker Upperers* in Auckland. Their goal is to help individuals break up with their partners using unique and often outrageous methods.

Auckland

Police Impersonation Incident

In a bold move, Jen and Mel impersonate police officers to inform a woman named Anna about her husband's supposed missing corpse. Meanwhile, the actual husband is hiding in their car, showcasing their extreme tactics.

Revisiting Old Flames

Reunited with their mutual friend Joe, Mel has moved on while Jen still harbors feelings for him. This complicated love triangle adds tension to their friendship and business.

Mel’s New Romantic Interest

Mel develops feelings for a teenage client named Jordan, who is struggling to break up with his fierce girlfriend, Sepa. This budding romance complicates Mel's life and poses new challenges for her.

Confrontation with Sepa

A dire confrontation occurs when Sepa and her friends confront Jen and Mel about their influence on Jordan. The aftermath leaves Jen slapped and the agency's reputation at stake.

Anna Seeks Help Again

Anna returns, still believing Jen and Mel are law enforcement and requests their help regarding her husband’s case. The unexpected trust Anna places in them strains the friendship between Jen and Mel.

Infiltration Gone Wrong

In a comedic twist, Jen and Mel, dressed as police officers, infiltrate a precinct. This leads to an embarrassing misunderstanding where they are mistaken for strippers, damaging their credibility.

Local precinct

Moral Reckoning

After the fallout from the precinct incident, Anna confronts Mel and Jen, calling their methods morally questionable. This causes Mel to reconsider her future with the agency, leading to tension with Jen.

Jen's Confession

During a dinner, Jen reveals her long-standing feelings for Joe, only to be met with ridicule about his past infidelities. This moment underscores the unresolved emotions affecting their dynamic.

Mel’s Pregnancy Discovery

A chance encounter in a shop reveals that Mel is pregnant, significantly complicating her relationship with Jordan. She starts to question their future and his commitment to her.

Matchmaking Strategy

Determined to ensure Jordan's success, Jen enlists Sepa's help as a matchmaker. This move highlights the complexity of relationships as intentions merge between support and rivalry.

Local pub

Jordan's Rugby Contract Celebration

At the local pub, Jordan celebrates securing a rugby contract. However, his suggestion to abandon this opportunity to stay by Mel's side raises concerns about his maturity and future aspirations.

Local pub

Supporting Each Other

Mel encourages Jordan to commit to his rugby career, promising to support him through her pregnancy. This moment solidifies their understanding and strengthens their relationship.

Reconciliation with Sepa

In a heartwarming turn, Mel and Sepa reach a reconciliation over Jordan. This moment emphasizes the power of friendship and mutual respect as they embrace their shared experiences.

Transformation of The Breaker Upperers

As the film draws to a close, Jen and Mel decide to transform their agency, expanding their services to include not just break-ups, but also make-ups. This shift symbolizes their growth and strengthened friendship.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Breaker Upperers (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Jen

Jen is a passionate and resourceful co-founder of The Breaker Upperers, deeply fixated on her past love, Joe. Her jealousy and resentment towards Mel's budding relationship with Jordan showcase her emotional vulnerability. Despite her aggressive methods in managing break-ups, Jen is ultimately seeking connection and growth.

💔 Heartbreak 🎭 Deception 🤼‍♀️ Rivalry

Mel

Mel is the more grounded partner in the agency, initially feeling conflicted over her feelings for a teenage client, Jordan. As the story progresses, her maturity shines through, especially when faced with a potential pregnancy and the complexities of her relationships. She embodies support and adaptability amidst personal chaos.

💖 Love 👩‍🤝‍👩 Friendship 🤰 Pregnancy

Jordan

Jordan is a teenage client torn between his fierce girlfriend, Sepa, and his growing affection for Mel. His character development reflects the struggle of young love, responsibility, and self-discovery as he navigates the pressure of athletic expectations and personal relationships.

🏉 Rugby ❤️ Young Love 🤝 Conflict

Sepa

Sepa is portrayed as a strong and supportive girlfriend with aspirations tied to her rugby player's future. Her character evolves from a fierce protector to a reconciliatory figure, showcasing personal growth and the influence of past relationships on future commitments.

🏆 Ambition ❤️ Affection ⚔️ Conflict

Anna

Anna is a pivotal character whose belief in Jen and Mel's deceptive agency leads to high stakes in the narrative. Her struggles with trust and emotional pain push the boundaries of the agency's morally questionable actions, ultimately seeking closure in her own life.

😢 Heartbreak 🔍 Discovery 🤔 Inquiry

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Breaker Upperers (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting current societal themes, dating practices, and cultural dynamics. The characters face modern dilemmas in relationships, personal growth, and moral decisions that resonate with today's audience.

Location

Auckland

Auckland, known as the 'City of Sails', is a vibrant city in New Zealand that boasts stunning harbors, diverse culture, and a blend of urban and natural beauty. It's famous for its iconic Sky Tower, beautiful beaches, and lush parks, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

🌆 City

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Breaker Upperers (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Heartbreak

Heartbreak is a central theme as the characters navigate their complex relationships and emotional turmoil. Whether through break-ups or rekindled connections, the film explores the challenges of letting go and the struggles inherent in moving forward, illustrating how love can both uplift and devastate.

🤝

Friendship

The theme of friendship is evident as Jen and Mel navigate their bond through the trials of their unique agency. Their friendship is tested by romantic interests and personal dilemmas, yet ultimately, it emerges strengthened, showcasing the importance of support and understanding in relationships.

🎭

Deception

Deception plays a significant role in the film, from impersonating police to misrepresenting feelings. This theme highlights the moral ambiguity the characters face in their unconventional methods, prompting reflections on honesty, trust, and the consequences of their actions.

© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.