El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie Review: This is Jesse Pinkman’s Time to Shine

Six years after the series finale of Breaking Bad, the sequel film El Camino on Netflix picks up where things left off with Jesse Pinkman.

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie focuses entirely on Jesse in a story that spans only a few days and spends much of its time filling in the blanks for what we missed on Breaking Bad while Jesse was being held captive. (If you haven’t yet watched, please note there are spoilers ahead.)

It’s as beautifully shot as Breaking Bad was, not dismissing the small details and the kind of unique cinematography that we learned to expect from the original series. I’d watch it just for the artfulness of the thing if I’m being honest. Even a shot of dirt swirling down a shower drain is mesmerizing to watch — and too, it’s not without its own significance.

The sequel film is ultimately unnecessary, but that doesn’t mean it’s not entirely enjoyable and thought-provoking. When Breaking Bad ended, we saw Jesse finally get free thanks to Walter White, and he drives away, screaming in both terror and relief.

That was enough to let us imagine what could come next, and we didn’t necessarily need a sequel to fill in those gaps.

But this sequel isn’t really about finding out what comes next for Jesse Pinkman. It’s about exploring Jesse’s character further, and that’s what makes it great. Aaron Paul’s performance, as he essentially carries the entire movie on his shoulders, is remarkable.

Paul steps back into the role of Jesse Pinkman seamlessly, though this is a more hardened Jesse and a Jesse who is less afraid. He’s gotten smarter and more fearless, but we also see him experiencing PTSD. 

He hasn’t turned completely cold, as one might expect, however. Despite being held in a cage and treated like an animal — the sequel shows us this in more horrifying detail — there’s still some good in Jesse Pinkman.

His friends know that, and it’s fitting that Jesse goes straight to Badger and Skinny Pete for help first. Seeing Jesse through their eyes adds some gravity to the situation, especially since Skinny Pete doesn’t even recognize him at first. (And yes, Jesse really does need a shower.)

They’re both willing to stop everything to help Jesse, and Skinny Pete is the one with the best plan to get rid of that car. Jesse’s taken aback by it, almost as if he’s forgotten there is something good in him.

Jesse can pull the trigger when he knows he has to in order to survive, but if he can avoid it, he does, if it means making matters worse for himself. 

What’s most satisfying about his story at this point is that as much as he’s been a victim, he’s learned to do what it takes to survive.

Even with a gun pointed at his head, he continues to take the money he needs because he’s smart enough to call the guy’s bluff — well, that and he also knows he’ll die without that money anyway, so he has to take that risk.

The flashbacks serve to inform what’s happening in the present, not only in the story but in the character. It’s important to understand what Jesse went through when he was separated from Walt.

Those are some of the most difficult scenes to watch, too. They evoke a visceral reaction but again Aaron Paul knocks all of this out of the park. The actor is playing so many different sides to Jesse, including the helpless and heartbroken one who is treated like an animal and forced to help dispose of a dead body by Todd (Jesse Plemons). 

The flashbacks also allow the chance for more Breaking Bad characters to appear, and each of those appearances serves a purpose. El Camino is all about exploring Jesse’s journey and getting him to his next step — a new life. 

The film opens with a scene between Jesse and Mike, which ultimately foreshadows the entire film. Mike offers some wisdom to Jesse — he has the chance to start over, but no, he won’t be able to set things right. 

Later, we get a flashback of Jesse with Walt (a highlight of the film, of course) and it’s another conversation about the future. They sit together in a diner and we’re reminded of their dynamic. There is humor in it, but also this close relationship and mentorship, despite its many faults.

Walt has some wisdom to give too, noting that he’s jealous that Jesse didn’t have to wait his entire life to do something special.

He also forgets that Jesse graduated high school, which is a nice moment of humor and entirely fitting with their relationship.

At the end of the film, we get to see Jane once again, who also offers some perspective on Jesse’s character and where he’ll go from here in a really endearing moment. 

Jane: I’ve gone where the universe takes me my whole life. It’s better to make those decisions for yourself. 

Jesse does just that. Everything we watch him go through on this film is about giving himself the chance to start fresh because that’s his best chance of survival. And it’s his best chance at having a life that’s worth living.

He goes to the place Mike said he’d go if he could start over. With some help from vacuum cleaner salesman Ed (played by the late Robert Forster, who just recently passed away), he gets the chance to start over in Alaska — the last frontier.

It’s ultimately a small, simple story that leaves us wanting more, but I’m okay with that. And it ends with Jesse driving his car, only this time, he’s peaceful. It feels like a happy ending for him, or at least as happy of ending as he could have gotten.

—

What did you think of El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie is currently available for streaming on Netflix.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!