Growing up is a difficult journey for any child, but for some, the path is fraught with trauma, abuse, and struggles that many adults cannot begin to fathom. Escaping this cycle of pain, especially while navigating through the pressures of toxic masculinity, can feel insurmountable.
In Breaking the Cycle (2019), released on Hulu in August 2018, director Alex Harper delves into these complexities, presenting the lives of a group of young skateboarders in the Rust Belt of America. The film’s stunning visuals intertwine with deep emotional substance, creating a narrative that ultimately plunges into a dark and unsettling reality. As the main characters grapple with their histories of violence and trauma, they each confront their evolving identities as they seek to escape the cycle that ensnares them.
Harper, a skateboarder himself, returns to his hometown to document the lives of two childhood friends, Ryan and Darius, who are on the brink of adulthood. He juxtaposes contemporary footage of their skating with nostalgic clips from their teenage years, including his own experiences in a world where skating was a vital escape from a turbulent home life dominated by an abusive stepfather.
The film reveals that violence is a shared experience among the three protagonists, with Harper revealing his own story as much as he does that of Ryan and Darius. They all grew up under what Darius describes as “discipline,” which he later reflects on as child abuse, expressing the anger that bubbles within him. Skateboarding became their sanctuary, a place where they could forge a “family” that looked out for one another when no one else would.
As they navigate the transition into adulthood, each character struggles to reconcile their violent pasts with the responsibilities of maturity. Ryan, for instance, faces the reality of impending fatherhood, expressing disbelief that he and his girlfriend will simply leave the hospital with their newborn without any formal checks. “We’re gonna have to grow up,” he acknowledges, “and it’s gonna suck.” He, like the others, yearns for maturity but feels lost, grappling with the concept of manhood that has been marred by violence and abuse.
The film does not shy away from the harsher aspects of their lives. It confronts the cycle of violence head-on, including harrowing interviews with Harper’s brother and mother, who reveal their own experiences with childhood trauma. One poignant moment arises when Ryan’s girlfriend recounts an instance of abuse that left her physically scarred, highlighting the destructive patterns that persist in their lives and community.
Darius, on the other hand, is tasked with reconciling his identity as a Black man within a predominantly white skateboarding culture. He reflects on his complicated relationship with his late father, whose legacy is intertwined with both love and pain. Skateboarding serves as his outlet, providing a way to cope with loss, as he visits his father’s grave in tears.
The cinematography in Breaking the Cycle showcases Harper’s expertise in capturing the beauty of skateboarding, contrasting the rawness of their everyday struggles against the backdrop of their artistry. Ryan often oscillates between mocking the idea of a conventional life and expressing a longing for stability, especially for his soon-to-arrive child.
This documentary is a poignant examination of toxic masculinity and the performative behaviors that mask the boys’ internal struggles. Darius, for instance, is shocked to uncover the extent of his stepfather’s abuse during a conversation in front of the camera. Harper masterfully captures this pain, transforming it into a compelling narrative through skilled editing and cinematography.
Yet, the film raises difficult questions: Is this representative of manhood in America? Are we witnessing a generation of lost boys aimlessly seeking an understanding of masculinity, numbing their emotions with substances and reckless behavior? Will they find a way to break free, or will they spiral further into violence?
For more insights on related topics, check out this post on home insemination, where you can find valuable information on fertility and family planning. Additionally, if you’re interested in boosting male fertility, consider this resource for more information. For comprehensive knowledge on pregnancy and home insemination, explore this excellent resource.
In summary, Breaking the Cycle presents an unflinching look at the struggles faced by boys attempting to navigate their formative years amidst chaos and confusion, shedding light on the pressing issues of violence, identity, and the quest for a healthier conception of manhood.