Comedy drama

Breaking Fast (2021): Cast & Ratings

Name: Breaking Fast
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance
Released: 2021-01-22
Duration: 1 h 32 min
Cast: Michael Cassidy, Veronica Cartwright, Patrick Sabongui, Haaz Sleiman, Rob Warner

Breaking Fast is a 2021 comedy drama directed by Mike Mosallam, starring Michael Cassidy as Kal, Veronica Cartwright and Patrick Sabongui. It runs 1 hour 32 minutes. Critics gave it 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10.

IMDb rating: 6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Echo Score: 77
Metascore: 76

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Watch the trailer

Released: January 22, 2021
Runtime: 1h 32m (92 min)
Director: Mike Mosallam
Genres: Drama , Comedy , Romance
Original language: Arabic
Studio: Vertical Entertainment
After the credits: No No extra scene

The story

What Is Breaking Fast About?

The premise of Breaking Fast without spoilers.

During Ramadan, Mo, struggling to move past a recent heartbreak, unexpectedly meets Kal, a friendly and outgoing young man, in West Hollywood. Sharing nightly Iftar meals together, they discover a surprising connection that transcends their different backgrounds and experiences. As they break bread and share stories, their initial differences seem to disappear, revealing a deeper understanding and a budding romance.

Breaking Fast Themes & Keywords

· 47 tags

gay muslim
gay interest
gay man
male nudity
male rear nudity
gay
reference to west side story
reference to the sound of music
gay kiss
reference to the music man the stage musical
prayer
grocery store

+35 more

restaurant
muslim
reference to superman
singing in the shower
car wash
reference to christopher reeve
flirting
friendship between men
doctor
cooking
religious
gay bar
ramadan
gay relationship
rehearsing lines
movie theater
west hollywood california
man asks a man out for a date
funeral
asking someone out on a date
hospital
reference to into the woods the musical
fight
breakup
reference to facebook
singing
friendship
dinner
juggling
argument
kiss
shopping
california
elevator
life

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Cast & crew

Breaking Fast Cast & Characters

Michael Cassidy leads the cast as Kal, with Veronica Cartwright as Judy and Patrick Sabongui as Hassan. Directed by Mike Mosallam; 10 actors are credited in all.

Director Mike Mosallam

Also Starring in Breaking Fast

· 6 more

Ratings

Breaking Fast Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Breaking Fast 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 77/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in story & flow (60).

77 /100

Breaking Fast Echo Score Breakdown

Breaking Fast delivers a warmly engaging romantic comedy experience grounded in assured direction and charismatic lead performances. The narrative follows familiar genre conventions but stands out by integrating thoughtful cultural perspectives, with many praising its heartfelt tone and chemistry. Critics and viewers, however, point to uneven plotting and occasional on-the-nose dialogue that can disrupt the film’s flow. Visually, its high-gloss aesthetic contributes to its charm. Overall, the film offers a sweet, accessible story that outweighs its modest flaws.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

Art & Craft 85

In terms of art and craft, Breaking Fast benefits from assured direction and a polished visual presentation. Critics highlight a high-gloss aesthetic and old-fashioned flair in the production design and cinematography. Editing supports a steady rhythm, even if some sequences feel formulaic. Overall, the film’s stylistic choices enhance its romantic comedy tone with a coherent and appealing look.
Character & Emotion 80

When it comes to character and emotion, Breaking Fast is anchored by a charismatic lead performance and palpable on-screen chemistry. The film offers authentic moments that resonate emotionally, reflecting nuanced cultural interactions. Some critiques point to exaggerated acting and occasional predictable character arcs. Nonetheless, its heartfelt portrayal of relationships provides engaging emotional depth and sincerity.
Story & Flow 60

Regarding story and flow, Breaking Fast adheres to familiar romantic comedy conventions, prioritizing accessible structure over daring innovation. Reviewers commend its integration of cultural perspectives but note that the plot occasionally feels poorly executed, with flat pacing and on-the-nose dialogue. Despite these criticisms, the film maintains an amiable engagement that sustains its narrative momentum overall.
Sensory Experience 75

In terms of sensory experience, Breaking Fast presents a cohesive visual style marked by a high-gloss color palette and clear cinematography. While the soundtrack and sound design receive little direct attention, the overall audio-visual mix supports the film’s romantic tone. The polished production elements create an immersive environment that complements the genre’s emotional beats effectively.
Rewatch Factor 70

For rewatch factor, Breaking Fast offers an enjoyable atmosphere that may appeal to viewers seeking lighthearted romantic fare. The film’s heartfelt moments and charismatic chemistry encourage repeat viewings, although its formulaic structure and occasional plotting unevenness could limit long-term appeal for some audiences. Ultimately, its charm supports moderate replay value.