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Broken Horses

Broken Horses

2015101 minRMidcredits score: 32nd percentile of all films
Director
Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Starring
Anton Yelchin, María Valverde, Vincent D'Onofrio, Thomas Jane

The bonds of brotherhood, the laws of loyalty, and the futility of violence in the shadows of the US Mexico border gang wars.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Broken Horses?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Broken Horses to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Broken Horses?

Broken Horses earns 3 badges, led by Visual feast and Award Winner.

  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Broken Horses worth watching?

Broken Horses' Midcredits score is the 32nd percentile of all films, from 3K ratings across 6 sources. 39% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

32nd percentile

Better received than 32% of films

47th percentile among Action33rd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)29th
Approval (how many liked it)36th

55 /100

29th percentile of all films

44th percentile among Action31st percentile among 2010s

Critics 32 · Audience 57

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.0 — solid but not unanimous.

39% liked it

36th percentile of all films

51st percentile among Action36th percentile among 2010s
39% rated it 7–1061% rated it 1–6

Critics 26% · Audience 44%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 0 noms overall

68th percentile

3K ratings across platforms

53rd percentile among Action71st percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 5% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$15M
Worldwide gross$30K

Returned 0.0× its budget — 11th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree that the film's cinematography and natural scenery are visually striking, and that the performances — especially from the leads — are competent if not exceptional, but the story's predictable, slow-burn nature divides them on whether it's engaging or tedious.

Fans praised

  • Christopher Marquette's nuanced portrayal of a mentally challenged character
  • suspenseful storytelling with enough twists to keep interest
  • strong brotherly love themes between the main characters

Detractors panned

  • implausible and predictable plot with stale, overused tropes
  • slow pacing that drags especially in the beginning
  • embarrassing, oft-expositional dialogue that defeats the cast

What stands out

Cinematography75

both camps praise the beautiful scenery and shot composition

ActingDivisive65

fans call it film-school-worthy, detractors say the cast is defeated by dialogue

AtmosphereDivisive60

bleak mood and isolated ranch setting praised for immersion, but some find it lifeless

TensionDivisive50

fans feel suspense throughout, detractors find it lacking punch and predictable

CharactersDivisive45

fans laud the brotherly bond, detractors find them unlikeable and shallow

Plot and storyDivisive40

fans praise twists, detractors call it predictable and implausible

PacingDivisive35

fans find it gripping, detractors complain of slow start and lingering edit

OriginalityDivisive30

fans see fresh take on brotherly saga, detractors call it a stale rehash of Parinda

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • US vs non-US 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is Broken Horses like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadMelancholic
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Bleak · 8% of filmsSolemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its violent, bleak material with earnest gravity, focusing on the emotional weight of the brothers' bond rather than irony.
The rideThe film sustains a brooding tension from the opening violence to the inevitable confrontation, with moments of melancholy in Jakey's return.
StructureThe story follows a conventional three-act structure: setup of the brothers' past and Jake's return, rising conflict with the gang, and a climax.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's resolution of the brotherly bond leaves a mix of relief and sadness, with the weight of violence lingering uneasily.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA violinist returns to his rural hometown to rescue his slow-witted brother from a ganglord who has turned him into a hitman, facing the tyrant's grip and an inevitable confrontation.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% (this title) · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsViolence · 4% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the unbreakable yet strained bond between two brothers, set against a backdrop of violence and conflicting loyalties.
StanceThe film examines the bonds of brotherhood and loyalty through a violent lens, questioning the futility of violence rather than celebrating it.

The world

ContemporaryRuralUrbanStylized realism
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · John Debney
SettingA dusty border town near the U.S.-Mexico border, with contrasting urban settings for Jakey's musical life.
MusicJohn Debney's score likely underscores the Western and dramatic elements, though without more info it's uncertain how prominent it is.

Content guide

Is Broken Horses okay for kids?

R

Broken Horses is rated R: “Rated R for violence and language” (MPAA). As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (67/100), sexual content at minimal (0/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at intense (67/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 3 other countries
  • Ireland15
  • Brazil16 Anos
  • Hungary18
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Frightening / Intense
Intense
too few votes to rank (2 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (6 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Broken Horses have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Broken Horses?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Anton Yelchin
as Jacob Heckum
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
María Valverde
as Vittoria
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Vincent D'Onofrio
as Julius Hench
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Thomas Jane
as Gabriel Heckum
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sean Patrick Flanery
as Ignacio Riley
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Christopher Rodriguez Marquette
as Buddy Heckum
Wes Chatham
as Ace
Sadie Alexandru
as Santion's Wife
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jeremy Luke
as Franco
Greg Serano
as Miguel Santion

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Broken Horses?

Movies like Broken Horses include Hell or High Water (2016), The Devil's Rejects (2005) and The Hollow Point (2016). Of the 12 closest matches, several are gangster films, and most are stories about siblings.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 12 share its world: western. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Broken Horses?

214 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: neo-western. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.