Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Moderate
- tense
- propulsive
- claustrophobic
- action movie night
- thriller double feature
What critics said
Critics generally found Gabrielle Union's performance and the film's premise promising, but regarded the action thriller as rote, one-note, and disposable.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The remote monitor, intercom, phone line, and house security system shape Shaun's attempts to outmaneuver the criminals.
The remotely located childhood house contains multiple security features and becomes the central battleground during the hostage crisis.
Shaun confronts the invading crew and uses the surrounding woods and house systems to protect Jasmine and Glover.
The criminals have only 90 minutes before the security company contacts police after the phone line is cut.
Films like Breaking In, and why
Panic Room
shared home invasion thriller structure, isolated domestic setting, and resourceful parent protecting children
The Strangers
shared contained home invasion premise, escalating suspense, and protagonist using the environment against criminals
Don't Breathe
shared single-location survival thriller, hostage stakes, and inventive use of household security features
Peppermint
shared female-led action thriller centered on family protection and confronting violent criminals
Movie Details
- Director
- James McTeigue
- Release Date
- 2018-05-05
- Runtime
- 88 min
- Rating
- 5.9 / 10 (729)
Cast
- Gabrielle Union
- Billy Burke
- Richard Cabral
- Ajiona Alexus
- Levi Meaden
- Seth Carr
- Mark Furze
- Jason George
- Christa Miller
- Damien Leake
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Breaking In about?
- A determined mother turns her isolated childhood home into a tactical maze while battling criminals who have taken her children hostage.
- What is Breaking In like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Breaking In as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Breaking In violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Breaking In as moderate.
- What did critics think of Breaking In?
- Critics generally found Gabrielle Union's performance and the film's premise promising, but regarded the action thriller as rote, one-note, and disposable.
- Which films are like Breaking In?
- Films with a similar feel include Panic Room, The Strangers, Don't Breathe, and Peppermint.
- How long is Breaking In?
- Breaking In runs 88 minutes.
- Where can I watch Breaking In?
- In United States, Breaking In streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
