Top 20 Alternative Picks for Cannes 2012: Rufus Norris’ Broken

Broken – Rufus Norris

Buzz: Selected as the Critics’ Week opening film – this debut from theatre director turned filmmaker Rufus Norris has the right ingredients in Tim Roth, Cillian Murphy and what is being called a breakout debut from Eloise Laurence. We’re hoping that a section that is particularly strong in finding future English talents (Duane Hopkins, Andrea Arnold) is once again on the mark.

Gist: Shortly after witnessing a brutal beating, Skunk’s home, neighborhood, and school become treacherous environments, where the happy certainties of childhood give way to danger; her innocence is rapidly worn away and a harsh world fills her future, over which she has no control. When Skunk finally seeks solace in an unspoken friendship with sweet, damaged Rick, she’s faced with the greatest choice of all.