Is Breakthrough Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Breakthrough is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 116 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Breakthrough Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2019, Breakthrough emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Tragedy strikes when a woman named Joyce's son falls through the ice on a frozen lake and is trapped underwater for over 15 minutes. Unlike standard genre fare, Breakthrough attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Breakthrough features a noteworthy lineup led by Chrissy Metz . Supported by the likes of Josh Lucas and Topher Grace , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Breakthrough (2019) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.6/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Breakthrough Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Breakthrough is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Tragedy strikes when a woman named Joyce's son falls through the ice on a frozen lake and is trapped underwater for over 15 minutes. After being rushed to the hospital, the 14-year-old boy continues to fight for his life as Joyce, her husband and their pastor stay by his bedside and pray for a miracle. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Breakthrough Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Breakthrough resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Breakthrough demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Breakthrough?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Breakthrough Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $14.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $49.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Breakthrough Budget
The estimated production budget for Breakthrough is $14.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Breakthrough
- Chrissy Metz – Joyce Smith
- Josh Lucas – Brian Smith
- Topher Grace – Pastor Jason Noble
- Mike Colter – Tommy Shine
- Marcel Ruiz – John Smith
Top Highlights
Chrissy MetzJoyce Smith
Josh LucasBrian Smith
Topher GracePastor Jason Noble
Mike ColterTommy Shine
Marcel RuizJohn Smith
Sam TrammellDr. Kent Sutterer
Dennis HaysbertDr. Garrett
Maddy MartinAbby Sutterer
Isaac KragtenJosh
Nikolas DukicReiger
Where to Watch Breakthrough Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
fuboTV
YouTube TV🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTube
Fandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Breakthrough is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.6/10, and global collection metrics, Breakthrough stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2019 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Breakthrough movie hit or flop?
Breakthrough is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.6/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Is Breakthrough worth watching?
Yes, Breakthrough is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
Where can I watch Breakthrough online?
Breakthrough is currently available for streaming on fuboTV. You can also check for it on platforms like fuboTV, YouTube TV depending on your region.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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