*Breaking Bad and El Camino spoilers*
El Camino, an American horror thriller, serves as a sequel to the critically acclaimed Breaking Bad, following Jesse Pinkman's destiny after his escape from slavery and the death of his long-time meth cooking partner/friend Walter White.
The film takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico and while it was filmed many years after the Breaking Bad series, it perfectly recaptures the essence and tone of the series, becoming the perfect companion movie to one of the highest rated series, of all time as well as the conclusion we didn't know that we needed.
Despite many of the actors aging, making some characters appearance unrealistically different (e.g., Todd) the acting is phenomenal and the clever use of flashbacks in similar settings and events gives a cruelly nostalgic feel for the original series. It perfectly encompassed the old spirit while moving on the story and allowing the characters a fresh start.
Adding to my previous mention of the fresh start, the character development of star of the show Jesse Pinkman makes the film extremely fulfilling for long-time fans of the franchise. We witness a reconnection with old friends who show their generosity in helping Jesse whilst simultaneously being forced to let him go, this makes the show relatable as the audience too, is letting the character Jesse go and saying goodbye to him for a final time. Later in the movie, Jesse gets the fresh start he always dreamed of, this is heightened by cut outs to old friends who wanted this fresh start for him (Walter, Mike and Jane) all of whom are dead in the present the movie is set in. The choice to move Jesse to Alaska, where Mike recommended him to go shows the characters emotional side despite his growing maturity throughout. This maturity is shown by the subtle yet clever use of the characters clothes, from sagging jeans and 'tacky' hoodies, onto the end of the film in smarter looking jeans and older looking jumpers.
The most mesmerising part of the film, however, must be the cinematography. Iconic shots echoing the talent of the producers of breaking bad make the film notable and thoroughly enjoyable to watch. This may be due to the impressive choice of director, Vince Gilligan, a man with previous successful creations under his belt.
Overall, I believe the making, storyline and ending came together to create an incredible ending for a deeply complicated and traumatised character, bringing closure those fans who grew to love him. I would recommend the film to those who have watched the series.
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