When the nameCillian Murphypops up, what immediately springs to mind is his widely celebrated performance as Tommy Shelby in the BBC period drama seriesPeaky Blinders. But long before that career-defining role and his Oscar-winning performance inOppenheimer, Murphy anchored one of the most emotionally powerful films of his career, and now, that forgotten gem is finding new life on Tubi. For younger fans of Murphy’s or anyone looking for something that perhaps flew under the radar,Brokenis a must-stream.
Set in a seemingly quiet North London cul-de-sac,Brokenfollows eleven-year-old Skunk Cunningham (played by newcomerEloise Laurencein a breakout role), a diabetic girl whose innocence slowly gives way as the dark realities of adulthood confront her all too abruptly. Hercoming-of-ageis anything but gentle. A single act of violence sets off a chain reaction of heartbreak, trauma, and hard truths. The story weaves together multiple characters' paths in the neighborhood, creating a tense story that speaks to the fragility of family and trust. Murphy plays Mike, a well-meaning teacher and Skunk’s guardian figure, whose relationship with her becomes a moral anchor in the chaos that unfolds.
Brokenalso starsTim Roth, popular for his role inQuentin Tarantino’sReservoir Dogsas Skunk’s protective father, andRory Kinnear, widely recognized for his portrayal of Bill Tanner in the most recentJames Bond filmslikeSkyfallandSpectreplaying the volatile neighbor whose actions set the story’s tragic events in motion. The film also includes Laurence in a standout debut performance andRobert Emms, known for his work inChernobyl. Directed byRufus Norris,Brokenis based onDaniel Clay’s 2008 novel of the same name and inspired byHarper Lee’s 1960 novelTo Kill a Mockingbird. It made its world premiere as the opening night film of the Critics' Week section at the 65th Cannes Film Festival to impressive reviews. 62% of critics' reviews at Rotten Tomatoes gave it a thumbs up.
What’s Lined Up for Cillian Murphy?
Fresh off his Academy Award win forOppenheimer, Cillian Murphy’s stock is at the highest it has ever been. Murphy is set to star inThe Immortal Man– a continuation of thePeaky Blindersseries, which will bring the saga of the Shelby crime family to a close on the big screen. Filming has wrapped with series creatorSteven Knightat the helm and Netflix distributing globally. Murphy is also reportedly starring in the fourth installment of the28 Days Laterfilm series,28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which is set to be released in January 2026. In addition, Murphy is producing and doubling as lead actor inSteve, an upcoming drama film directed byTim Mielantsand written byMax Porter, based on his 2023 novellaShy.
Brokenis available to stream for free on Tubi.
Source:Tubi
