Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Drama

Broken Diamonds (2021): Cast & Ratings

Broken Diamonds (2021) movie poster

Broken Diamonds is a 2021 drama directed by Peter Sattler, starring Yvette Nicole Brown as Cookie, Ben Platt and Lola Kirke. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes. Critics gave it 54% on Rotten Tomatoes and 34 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10.

IMDb rating
5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
54%
Echo Score
49
Metascore
34
Loading streaming availability…
Broken Diamonds (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m (90 min)
Director
Peter Sattler
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
Studio
FilmRise
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Broken Diamonds About?

The premise of Broken Diamonds without spoilers.

Jack, a writer facing his own creative slump, finds his life consumed by the responsibility of caring for his vulnerable sister. Her mental health struggles create a significant challenge, straining their relationship and threatening to further damage the already fragile connection between them. He must navigate the complexities of her condition while striving to rediscover his own artistic inspiration.

Broken Diamonds Themes & Keywords

· 21 tags
  • brother sister relationship
  • schizophrenic
  • childhood flashback
  • support group
  • death of father
  • dream
  • going away party
  • reference to ernest hemingway
  • reference to google
  • ice cream parlor
  • no opening credits
  • job search
+9 more
  • laundromat
  • travelodge motel
  • passport
  • reference to uber
  • reference to paris france
  • halfway house
  • hair salon
  • coffee shop
  • manager
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Broken Diamonds Cast & Characters

Yvette Nicole Brown leads the cast as Cookie, with Ben Platt as Scott and Lola Kirke as Cindy. Directed by Peter Sattler; 16 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Peter Sattler

One more film directed by Peter Sattler: Camp X-Ray.

Full filmography
Ratings

Broken Diamonds Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Broken Diamonds 54% on Rotten Tomatoes and 34 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 49/100, strongest in sensory experience (60) and weakest in rewatch factor (40).

49 /100

Broken Diamonds Echo Score Breakdown

Broken Diamonds presents a well‑intentioned but uneven drama that struggles to balance humor with its serious subject matter. Critics note an inconsistent tone and pacing, with the first half feeling flippant while the second half gains modest focus. Performances are described as capable yet marred by an over‑theatrical lead, resulting in a film that resonates only sporadically. Consequently, the movie offers limited lasting appeal, positioning it firmly in the mixed‑to‑negative range.

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

  • Art & Craft 45

    In terms of direction and overall craft, the film feels uneven and often misses its tonal target. Critics point to a lack of authentic chord and a lifeless presentation, suggesting shortcomings in editing and visual cohesion. Some reviewers acknowledge a tactful handling of sensitive topics, indicating moments of competent direction. Overall, the artistic execution leans toward the lower middle of the scale.

  • Character & Emotion 55

    When evaluating character work, performances receive mixed feedback. Ben Platt’s portrayal is described as both overdone and dramatically effective, reflecting divergent opinions. Supporting actors are noted as capable, though the script sometimes reduces characters to plot devices. Positive remarks highlight genuine emotional moments and warm family connections. The net impression is a modestly above‑average character assessment.

  • Story & Flow 45

    The narrative structure is criticized for contrived plot mechanics and uneven pacing. Reviewers cite an opening half that flirts with flippant humor, causing tonal dissonance, while the latter portion gains seriousness but cannot fully recover the film. A few critics commend its topical relevance and an entertaining core story. Overall, the storytelling sits in the lower-middle range.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    Sensory elements such as soundtrack and visual style receive limited commentary, implying no glaring faults but also no standout achievements. The film’s tonal shifts suggest occasional inconsistencies in sound design and visual mood, yet no explicit criticism is recorded. This neutrality places the sensory experience slightly above average.

  • Rewatch Factor 40

    Rewatch potential appears limited, as reviewers point to an inconsistent tone and a script that relies on familiar tropes. While some describe moments of warmth and engagement, the overall inability to sustain interest reduces its appeal for repeat viewings. Consequently, the rewatch factor rates toward the lower end of the spectrum.

Videos

Broken Diamonds Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Broken Diamonds.

BROKEN DIAMONDS - Official Trailer
Cars

Cars in Broken Diamonds

7 cars on screen, including the 2010 Vauxhall Astra MkVI and the 2015 Vauxhall Corsa MkV.

All 7 cars
  • 2010 Vauxhall Astra MkVI in Broken Diamonds 2010 Vauxhall Astra MkVI Important role
  • 2015 Vauxhall Corsa MkV in Broken Diamonds 2015 Vauxhall Corsa MkV Important role
  • 2015 Fiat 500X in Broken Diamonds 2015 Fiat 500X Background role
  • 2007 Ford Mondeo Estate MkIV in Broken Diamonds 2007 Ford Mondeo Estate MkIV Background role

Seen Broken Diamonds?

FAQ

Broken Diamonds FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Broken Diamonds, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Broken Diamonds?

Broken Diamonds runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).

When was Broken Diamonds released?

Broken Diamonds was released on July 23, 2021.

Who directed Broken Diamonds?

Broken Diamonds was directed by Peter Sattler.

More films by Peter Sattler

Who is in the cast of Broken Diamonds?

Broken Diamonds stars Yvette Nicole Brown as Cookie, Ben Platt as Scott and Lola Kirke as Cindy, among 16 credited actors.

How is Broken Diamonds rated?

Broken Diamonds has 5.7/10 on IMDb, 54% on Rotten Tomatoes, 34 on Metacritic and 49% on TMDB.

Does Broken Diamonds have a post-credit scene?

No. Broken Diamonds has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app