Breaking: The True Story Behind John Boyega's Thriller

Holden Davis 16 May 2025

Do real-life pressures truly eclipse the art of storytelling, or can cinema unflinchingly mirror the stark realities of existence? "Breaking," originally titled 892, dares to walk this tightrope, presenting a narrative so rooted in truth that it challenges our very perception of what's real and what's fiction.

Abi Damaris Corbin directs "Breaking," a gripping thriller fueled by a heartbreaking true story. The film stars John Boyega, Nicole Beharie, Selenis Leyva, and the late Michael Kenneth Williams. "Breaking" is a story about a marine war veteran struggling with mental and emotional demons as he transitions back into civilian life. The film pulls back the curtain on a system that often fails those who serve, leaving them vulnerable and desperate. The film's true story, revealed with poignant accuracy, centers around a veteran who had received his last payment of $892 from the VA on June 1st and awaited his next payment, expecting it on July 1st, a detail that underscores the film's raw and unflinching portrayal of bureaucratic failings.

	Information
Full Name	John Boyega
Birth Date	March 17, 1992
Birth Place	London, England
Nationality	British
Occupation	Actor, Producer
Years Active	2011present
Notable Films	Star Wars sequel trilogy, Attack the Block, Detroit, Breaking
Awards	Golden Globe Award (2021) for Best Supporting Actor Television (Small Axe)
Website	Official Website

Originally premiering at Sundance in January 2022 under the title "892," the film garnered significant attention for its powerful narrative and stellar performances, particularly from Boyega, who delivers what many critics are calling a transformative performance, filled with raw, palpable emotion. The film was later released in August and even kicked off the Atlanta Film Festival.

Critics have noted how "Breaking" masterfully captures the incomprehensible nature of real-life events, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. Rebecca Font of Bears highlighted the films impact in her review. The film's premise, based on a true story of a desperate former marine who attempts to rob an Atlanta bank, adds layers of complexity and tension to the narrative.

The film also marks one of the final on-screen performances of Michael Kenneth Williams, the critically acclaimed actor known for his roles in "The Wire" and other iconic television series. Williams, who passed away in September at the age of 54, delivers what many are calling one of the best performances of his career as a crisis negotiator. His portrayal adds significant depth and nuance to the film, enhancing its overall impact.

Abi Damaris Corbin, both the director and writer of "Breaking," brings a unique and authentic vision to the screen. Corbins direction has been praised for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the veteran's struggles, as well as its unflinching critique of systemic failures. The films 103-minute runtime is a tightly woven narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

The JustWatch daily streaming charts, which track user activity across various platforms, indicate strong interest in "Breaking," with many users adding it to their watchlists and marking it as "seen." This data, gathered from approximately 1.7 million movie and TV show fans daily, underscores the film's resonance with audiences.

While the film is set in Atlanta, a subtle detail regarding a Hawaiian reference has caught the attention of some viewers. The mention of "Momona" in the script, a Hawaiian word meaning "fat," is a small gag that some believe was included by the writing staff. While there is no Momona Street in Honolulu, there is a Momona Place in Waianae.

For those looking to experience the film, "Breaking (2022)" is available for streaming and online viewing through various rental and purchase platforms. The film's official page provides additional information and resources for viewers looking to dive deeper into the story.

The distribution team included John Boyega, Nicole Beharie, Selenis Leyva, Michael Kenneth Williams, and was under the direction of Abi Damaris Corbin.