Broken

Broken

Year: 2013

Runtime: 91 min

Language: Spanish

Director: Rufus Norris

Drama

As summer begins, an 11-year-old girl named Skunk confronts difficult truths, including managing diabetes and navigating a neighborhood full of hidden secrets. After witnessing a violent attack, her perception of the world shifts dramatically. Surrounded by lies and grappling with illness, she searches for comfort within her family and community, but finds that everything she knows has become uncertain and potentially dangerous.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Broken (2013)

Trace every key event in Broken (2013) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Murder of Yesenia Barea

Detective Billy Taggart is involved in a case where Mikey Tavarez sexually assaults and murders sixteen-year-old Yesenia Barea. The injustice of Tavarez escaping conviction due to a technicality sets off a series of events that deeply affect Taggart's life.

Bolton Village
2

Taggart's Arrest

After shooting Tavarez, Taggart is arrested for the murder. During the investigation, Mayor Nicholas Hostetler intervenes to eliminate evidence supporting Taggart’s self-defense claim, leading to his eventual exoneration in court.

NYPD precinct
3

Forced Resignation

Despite being cleared, Taggart is forced to resign from the police department by Mayor Hostetler, who calls him a hero but insists that he must leave for political reasons. This marks a pivotal moment in Taggart's life as he feels betrayed and unsupported.

NYPD precinct
4

Seven Years Later

Seven years later, Taggart finds himself struggling as a private detective, drowning in debt and facing the financial burden of his failed career. His personal life is in turmoil, as he is unable to rely on steady income from his customers.

Taggart's office
5

Natalie's Movie Premiere

Taggart's girlfriend, Natalie Barrow, is preparing for her movie premiere. During this time, Taggart becomes suspicious of her co-star Ryan, believing he might be hitting on her, which causes tension in their relationship.

Movie premiere venue
6

Hired by the Mayor

Taggart is unexpectedly hired by Mayor Hostetler to investigate his wife Cathleen's suspected affair. With the election approaching and rumors swirling, Hostetler offers Taggart a significant sum for the assignment, further complicating Taggart’s moral dilemmas.

City Hall
7

Discovery of the Affair

With the help of his assistant Katy, Taggart discovers that Cathleen is involved with Paul Andrews, the campaign manager of Hostetler’s political rival. This revelation puts Taggart in a precarious position as he juggles loyalty and duty.

Various locations
8

Cathleen's Proposition

At a campaign fundraiser, Cathleen confronts Taggart, urging him not to trust her husband. She offers Taggart a significant amount to break his contract with Hostetler, knowing that her husband’s political ambitions are at stake.

Fundraiser event
9

Photos of the Affair

Taggart presents evidence of Cathleen's infidelity to Mayor Hostetler, which he hopes will influence the upcoming election. Hostetler pays Taggart for the evidence, but the implications of their interactions weigh heavily on Taggart.

Hostetler's office
10

Revelation of Natalie's Identity

During the screening of her film, Natalie reveals her true identity as Natalia Barea, Yesenia's sister. This shocking revelation adds emotional turmoil for Taggart, as he reflects on the past and his connections to the case.

Movie premiere
11

Andrews’ Murder

Taggart receives distressing news that Paul Andrews has been found murdered. The case deepens as Taggart grapples with his involvement in the political web that seems to lead back to Hostetler.

Crime scene
12

Confrontation with Fairbanks

Taggart confides in Fairbanks about his dealings with Hostetler. Tension rises as they discuss the political undercurrents in play, revealing a complicated history between Fairbanks and Hostetler.

Commissioner's office
13

Corruption Unveiled

Taggart uncovers Hostetler's corrupt plans involving the demolition of Bolton Village, which would displace residents for profit. This discovery prompts Taggart to take a stand against the mayor's corruption.

Bolton Village
14

Final Confrontation

Taggart confronts Hostetler with evidence of his corrupt dealings. Hostetler, however, has information that puts Taggart in a precarious position, bringing their battle to a head and leaving Taggart feeling cornered.

Hostetler's office
15

The Fall of Hostetler

Taggart’s sacrifice leads Fairbanks to arrest Hostetler, revealing the web of deceit unraveling. Taggart manages to record the mayor’s admission of guilt, standing firm against corruption and ensuring the safety of the displaced residents.

Bar

Last Updated: December 24, 2024 at 10:01

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Broken Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Broken

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