Breaking Upwards Poster

Breaking Upwards 2009

★ 5.430 votes88 min📅 2009-03-14

Breaking Upwards (2009) dives into the raw, often messy reality of modern love, following a young New York couple who, after four years together, face the unthinkable: meticulously planning their own breakup.

Director: Daryl Wein

Cast

Zoe Lister-Jones
Zoe Lister-Jones
Zoe
Daryl Wein
Daryl Wein
Daryl
Julie White
Julie White
Joanie
Andrea Martin
Andrea Martin
Helaine
Peter Friedman
Peter Friedman
Alan
LaChanze
LaChanze
Maggie
Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Dylan
Olivia Thirlby
Olivia Thirlby
Erika
Pablo Schreiber
Pablo Schreiber
Turner
Heather Burns
Heather Burns
Hannah

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Breaking Upwards (2009) about?

The film centers on a young couple in New York who, after years of codependency, decide to strategize their breakup as an experiment. It's a candid exploration of love, lust, and the chaos that follows when two people challenge traditional monogamy.

Who directed Breaking Upwards?

The film was directed by Daryl Wein, who also stars in the movie alongside Zoe Lister-Jones.

Who stars in Breaking Upwards?

The main cast includes Zoe Lister-Jones, Daryl Wein, Julie White, Andrea Martin, LaChanze, and Peter Friedman.

Is Breaking Upwards (2009) worth watching?

For fans of indie romantic dramas with a twist, Breaking Upwards delivers sharp writing and authentic performances. Its unconventional approach to relationships makes it a standout watch, though its raw tone won't appeal to everyone.

How long is Breaking Upwards?

The runtime of Breaking Upwards is 88 minutes.

About Breaking Upwards (2009) — A Raw, Real-Life Comedy-Drama About Love's Messy Experiment

Breaking Upwards (2009) dives into the raw, often messy reality of modern love, following a young New York couple who, after four years together, face the unthinkable: meticulously planning their own breakup. Directed by Daryl Wein and starring real-life partners Zoe Lister-Jones and the director himself, this indie comedy-drama shatters expectations by turning heartbreak into a thought-provoking experiment. Blending sharp wit with emotional vulnerability, the film explores the complexities of codependency, the blurred lines between love and lust, and the chaos that erupts when two people dare to rewrite the rules of their relationship.

Atmosphere in Breaking Upwards is gritty yet tender, capturing the pulse of New York City while stripping away the gloss of romantic idealism. With standout performances from Julie White and Andrea Martin, the movie oscillates between laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections on what it means to love someone—even when it's not forever. Whether you're a fan of relationship dramas or indie cinema that punches above its weight, this film offers an unfiltered glimpse into the madness and beauty of young love's growing pains.