El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (2019) Movie Review

EL CAMINO: A BREAKING BAD MOVIE (2019) MOVIE REVIEW

Since the shows conclusion in 2013, fans of the worldwide phenomenon Breaking Bad have been clamouring for a follow up or at the very least resolution following the show's climax. Now six years later, we are given a direct sequel of sorts available now on Netflix to the series finale and fans of the show, including myself, could not be more excited. And with show creator Vince Gilligan at the helm once again, expectations are at an all time high and were thankfully more than met. 

After escaping his captures with help from a former friend, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) is now on the run from police as well as his inner demons. Taking place directly after the conclusion of a massive event is always a tough job to pull off. Many different elements have to align near perfectly like lighting and editing in order for the scene to make sense and recognisable to the viewer. Thankfully this opening sequence was done remarkably well and felt exactly like an episode of the show due to seem-less transitions and a natural flow to all the events taking place. After this escape the rest of the film follows Jesse's inner struggles and continuous flashbacks to his past which play an effective role in telling us what occurred during his capture and showing the pain Pinkman was going through. Perhaps the biggest criticism El Camino has been receiving is its reliance in the audience's knowledge of the series. In all honestly this critique is fairly void as prior to the film, Netflix provides a recap of the entire series leading up to the film's beginning which even for a fan of the show like myself, was much needed and quite handy. 

Aaron Paul returns in his most iconic role as the young drug-dealer Jesse Pinkman and does a phenomenal job in making the audience sympathise with his character, a trait his character was known for in the show. His facials are some of the most realistic and gut-wrenching put onto screen in quite a long time whether it be emotions conveying happiness, sadness or relief, all of Paul's characterisations are remarkably spot on and increase the quality all scenes in which he is featured which is thankfully most. Other acting credits to be given include Jesse Plemons as Todd whom appears in multiple flashback sequences in which his character conveys a strong sense of madness thanks to subtle acts of O.C.D and general acts of murder along the way. It's hard to say who else does a standout job in this film as everyone does a remarkable job in the film and feels human despite their personalities being the furthest thing from it. Cinematography was arguably Breaking Bad's highest praise and in El Camino it without a doubt was. Adapting techniques used throughout the show was a stroke of genius and makes the movie feel unique and eerily similar to that of the show. 

Although not on the same level as the show, El Camino still is a great movie. Filled with outstanding performances and story-telling that puts most theatrical releases to shame, this Netflix exclusive may just be one of the best films going on the service right now. Unfortunately if you haven't experienced Breaking Bad, the quality of the film may not be as good but if you are a fan of the series, El Camino is a must watch for you and gives one of the show's best characters a satisfying ending. 

OVERALL

8 / 10