At least a soap opera has the luxury of spreading its quota of sensationalism over many years. Concertinaed into a time span of mere days and distributed among only three households, the litany of suffering in Broken can appear hysterical.

Director Rufus Norris bleakly contrasts ugly acts of violence with innocent pockets of childhood in this simple yet richly nuanced film.

The comic and tragic elements are nicely balanced, and the three families' stories neatly and economically knit together.

A first rating supporting cast is also responsible for some quietly observed moments, though none of the performers are able to mask the increasing hysterical elements of the film's overly dramatic narrative.