Good film I really enjoyed it. Great cast with good acting. Powerful story especially for thought that understand addiction like myself it, it brought it all back to me watching this........ HARD TIMES!!! I was surprised to learn that in America you could earn lots of money putting people in to detox/rehab and 2000 for a tub of piss lol I wonder if this was true? Anyway if your reading this review please give this film a watch you will enjoy it and learn a little about addiction.
40 Reviews
900,000 died due to drug overdose in the past twenty years.
craigdales20 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
An eye-opener for sure.
Top_Dawg_Critic20 February 2021
Wow, such a crazy informative true story. Newb filmmaker John Swab casted, produced, wrote and directed this docu-type film, and did a decent job.
It is well directed and shot, and the casting was decent with Frank Grillo performing and narrating the true facts of this film. My only casting issue was Jack Kilmer as Utah; he performed well as a junkie, but after rehab he still had that monotonic expressionless boring demeanor. I'm not sure if it was his acting failing to turn-up a few notches, or Swab not directing him properly, or both, but his role in the second act was disappointing.
The score and cinematography were on point, but the 111 min runtime felt much longer with the film's often slow pacing. Swab's screenplay wasn't perfect, but told the story he was aiming to tell, quite well - enough to anger most people who have had trouble with addiction, or know someone close to them that has been through the system. Although a compelling story, the plot was too plain, but at least the details were vivid enough to keep you watching until the end. It's educational and investigative into an exploitative crime surrounding addiction. It certainly opened my eyes. Props to newb filmmaker Swab for putting this little gem together.
Overall more interesting than exciting, but nevertheless a story that really needed to be told - and I'm surprised it took this long.
It is well directed and shot, and the casting was decent with Frank Grillo performing and narrating the true facts of this film. My only casting issue was Jack Kilmer as Utah; he performed well as a junkie, but after rehab he still had that monotonic expressionless boring demeanor. I'm not sure if it was his acting failing to turn-up a few notches, or Swab not directing him properly, or both, but his role in the second act was disappointing.
The score and cinematography were on point, but the 111 min runtime felt much longer with the film's often slow pacing. Swab's screenplay wasn't perfect, but told the story he was aiming to tell, quite well - enough to anger most people who have had trouble with addiction, or know someone close to them that has been through the system. Although a compelling story, the plot was too plain, but at least the details were vivid enough to keep you watching until the end. It's educational and investigative into an exploitative crime surrounding addiction. It certainly opened my eyes. Props to newb filmmaker Swab for putting this little gem together.
Overall more interesting than exciting, but nevertheless a story that really needed to be told - and I'm surprised it took this long.
Great story about life, death, money and drugs
danielcereto19 February 2021
I really enjoyed this movie. Based on a true and cruel reality on the streets of America. First, the script is amazing. It's not your predictable and usual one. It makes you think about life, death, money and drugs. Second, acting is pretty solid from the main cast. Last, this movie makes you think about how to end a neverending story?... I can't find an answer. Hopefully someone will have. So, overall a great drama. Enjoy it if you're in the mood.
A film telling two different stories
valleyjohn15 June 2021
Body Brokers is a film that means well and sends a message not only about drug addiction but how companies are exploiting the misery of these people by making billions of dollars . I'm just not quite sure the format of the film really works.
I did like the film. The performances are good , especially from Jack Kilmer (Utah) and Michael Kenneth Williams who I think is a massively underrated actor .
I just think the film isn't quite sure if it's a drama or a documentary and it ends up not fully being either .
It does send an important message about drugs and it's a war that can never be won but there is nothing stopping the United States stopping corporate greed and changing the rules on making money from desperate people .
Worth a watch .
I did like the film. The performances are good , especially from Jack Kilmer (Utah) and Michael Kenneth Williams who I think is a massively underrated actor .
I just think the film isn't quite sure if it's a drama or a documentary and it ends up not fully being either .
It does send an important message about drugs and it's a war that can never be won but there is nothing stopping the United States stopping corporate greed and changing the rules on making money from desperate people .
Worth a watch .
Very nice movie.
roxlerookie20 February 2021
Very well executed movie, I'd say. The pacing might be slow, but it renders the feeling of aimlessness of the addicts. I would have wanted to be told what in the movie is true or invented, but if the numbers are true, and cash exchanges that easy, then the question really is who are the big fish promoting those policies, because they're obviously set up to be exploited.
Actors played well and human emotions of loss, betrayal, belonging, community, fear, shame, anger, all rung true to me.
Enjoyable drug and rehab movie...
paul_haakonsen16 January 2022
Initially I had been putting off sitting down to watch the 2021 movie "Body Brokers" on the account that the synopsis didn't really sound all that interesting. And the movie's cover wasn't exactly eye-catching. So it wasn't before now in 2022 that I got around to watching what writer and director John Swab had to offer.
And I will say that "Body Brokers" certainly was a good movie. It was a somewhat tough story, as it was something that struck home and left a lasting impression. And that was the combination of some good writing from John Swab and the spot on acting performances by the cast ensemble.
The storyline is all the more hard-hitting as this is something that is based on actual events, and the whole thing with substance abuse and battling it is just not an easy pill to swallow - pardon the pun. But it was exactly that which made "Body Brokers" a good movie.
"Body Brokers" has a good cast ensemble with Michael Kenneth Williams (playing Wood) and Jack Kilmer (playing Utah) in the lead roles. And they definitely put on stellar performances and gave life to the movie in a very fulfilling manner. The movie also have Frank Grillo and Peter Greene on the cast list, so there are some familiar faces.
While "Body Brokers" certainly is a good and watchable movie, I doubt that I will ever return to watch it a second time, as the storyline just doesn't have enough contents to it to support more than a single viewing. But if you get the chance, and haven't already seen "Body Brokers", then it is something I would suggest that you do, because this is a hard-hitting movie.
And without spoiling anything, then I will say that the ending of the movie really got to me. It was an ending that you saw coming, but it was at the same time an ending you didn't want to see.
My rating of "Body Brokers" lands on a six out of ten stars.
And I will say that "Body Brokers" certainly was a good movie. It was a somewhat tough story, as it was something that struck home and left a lasting impression. And that was the combination of some good writing from John Swab and the spot on acting performances by the cast ensemble.
The storyline is all the more hard-hitting as this is something that is based on actual events, and the whole thing with substance abuse and battling it is just not an easy pill to swallow - pardon the pun. But it was exactly that which made "Body Brokers" a good movie.
"Body Brokers" has a good cast ensemble with Michael Kenneth Williams (playing Wood) and Jack Kilmer (playing Utah) in the lead roles. And they definitely put on stellar performances and gave life to the movie in a very fulfilling manner. The movie also have Frank Grillo and Peter Greene on the cast list, so there are some familiar faces.
While "Body Brokers" certainly is a good and watchable movie, I doubt that I will ever return to watch it a second time, as the storyline just doesn't have enough contents to it to support more than a single viewing. But if you get the chance, and haven't already seen "Body Brokers", then it is something I would suggest that you do, because this is a hard-hitting movie.
And without spoiling anything, then I will say that the ending of the movie really got to me. It was an ending that you saw coming, but it was at the same time an ending you didn't want to see.
My rating of "Body Brokers" lands on a six out of ten stars.
A good movie, a bit slow though
Mah_Jam28 February 2021
What's good about this movie is that it opens your eyes on a community problem of drug addiction and how the treatment programs could be an issue themselves. What's not good in this movie is that it only focuses on failure stories. It's a bit slow as well.
An Intriguing Film
Uriah4330 January 2022
This film begins with two masked thieves named "Utah" (Jack Kilmer) and Opal (Alice Englert) robbing a convenience store and then deftly escaping from the police with their stolen money. That same night they buy some heroin to satisfy their drug addiction and subsequently pass out on a bed in a cheap hotel room. The scene then shifts to a day or two later with both of them essentially broke and homeless. It's then that a man by the name of "Wood" (Michael Kenneth Williams) observes their plight and invites them inside a local diner for a free meal. While there he tells them that he was also an addict a few years ago and encourages them to go to a rehabilitation center on the West Coast. Although Opal is adamantly against this idea, Utah eventually decides to take him up on his offer and gets admitted. What he doesn't know is that Wood is a recruiter for this particular rehabilitation center and gets paid each time he refers someone for admission. Not only that, but if they should relapse, he also gets paid for any readmission as well-and therein lies the problem because it actually benefits Wood when this happens. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was an intriguing film which potentially shines a spotlight on a major problem within out medical system. Having said that, however, let me also say that this is not a documentary and it doesn't reference any peer-reviewed documentation to bolster its case. So, regardless of all of the facts and figures it might stipulate, the only thing for certain is that this a movie--and for the reasons just mentioned should probably be treated as such. To that point, it should go without saying that Hollywood has a tendency to embellish things when it suits their purpose. Therefore, since I honestly have certain doubts, I won't speculate on the accuracy of any allegations made in this film. What I can say, however, is that it was an interesting film for the most part and for that reason I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
Powerful message
itenkroode12 June 2021
A unique tale, a bit overdone and barely alright
Xavier_Stone19 February 2021
The start and setup of this movie is decent and it tells an interesting story. However the financials are way out of whack and ruins any true insight. The wandering path is done adequately enough but it feels half finished and leaves an unsatisfied feeling at the completion.
Maybe it's just me, but if you're going to make a movie about preaching the dangers of drugs and wanting people to change I think you need to put an effort into making a good film. Otherwise it's easily forgotten 5 minutes after watching it, like this one is.
Truer than most would believe
CakeWalks2728 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This movie only scratches the surface on what happens in rehab programs. It was surprising that a person clean just 30 days was allowed to work in such high risk situations, but if he relapsed it would still feed the money beast so They win either way.
Unfortunately I know first hand how They fraud the families of addicts. A close family member went to rehab and it seemed like we were in a timeshare seminar and Their best sales person was the speaker. There was something about these people that was just..grimey. I didn't believe for a moment They believed all the B.S. They were selling but you ignore it as you want the family member off drugs.
Anyway, They found out there was private insurance and wouldn't admit until $5,000 deductible was paid up front. They wouldn't take half or installments. So of course you pay & when you see what They bill the insurance it's even worse.
I was surprised it wasn't included how drug dealers sell at AA meetings and the addict relapses back into rehab, or what happens to people when/how they're thrown out after insurance cap is met. Good film but it might make you P.O. sad, or both.
Unfortunately I know first hand how They fraud the families of addicts. A close family member went to rehab and it seemed like we were in a timeshare seminar and Their best sales person was the speaker. There was something about these people that was just..grimey. I didn't believe for a moment They believed all the B.S. They were selling but you ignore it as you want the family member off drugs.
Anyway, They found out there was private insurance and wouldn't admit until $5,000 deductible was paid up front. They wouldn't take half or installments. So of course you pay & when you see what They bill the insurance it's even worse.
I was surprised it wasn't included how drug dealers sell at AA meetings and the addict relapses back into rehab, or what happens to people when/how they're thrown out after insurance cap is met. Good film but it might make you P.O. sad, or both.
Sad State of our Healthcare System
bryanmartin-1975917 August 2021
Not a Frank Grillo movie
maushardt21 February 2021
making tons of money by helping drugs addicts.
afterdarkpak3 March 2021
Its a good movie with some decent performance, based on true story? it seems so. but i didnt FULLY understand the FRAUD about the treatment in this movie. how come these companies make millions of $ helping the drug addicts? i have to watch this movie again to understand that fraud concept.
Not as bad as I expected
LisaFogle21 February 2021
Really the best thing about this movie in my opinion was Jack Kilmer.
The story wasn't something I'd normally be interested in but he did a really good job keeping me invested in it. I didn't even know Val Kilmer had a son.
So it wasn't spectacular but it wasn't bad. It's just one of those movies if you're bored and looking for something to do you watch it and say okay.
I really hate to think this really goes on in the world but nothing surprises me anymore.
Wasn't expecting the ending to be like that though.
Thought-provoking and gritty
callahans207 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I had no idea the amounts of money that can be made off treating drug addicts. The movie itself can be hard to watch at times, because you see so clearly where Utah (Jack Kilmer) comes from and exactly where he's headed. It's like watching a train wreck, where you can see the railroad tracks being removed but nothing can stop the train. It's two movies-a kind of documentary about the costs of treatment, and a secondary plot about the lives of addicts themselves. It's a story of failure, and how that failure makes a few people very rich. And Jack Kilmer is definitely an actor on the rise, but I did find myself wishing he'd have gotten the suggested haircut.
Utah's tattoos
glentzr12 March 2021
its people making...
ops-5253519 February 2021
Money on other people thats making money of the weak individuals of society, its drug addicts this time, and the business milking money through the practice of putting people into detoxification centers, paid for either by insurance or federal arraingments, fixem, let the free after 30 days, give them a safehouse, where drugs are available, and start all over again. its based on true stories but its hard to believe for sure...
i liked the idea of this film, but i was not happy with the extreme smoothness of the crimes in the plot. neither are the acting good, and mr grillo...well i dont know what to say, but i could easily had done his role of 20 lines of verbal acting.not good.
but its good to spray some limelight on the actual practice, where are the chaperones in this system, is it money well spent or is it just pure business as all health care seems to be in the usa?
should you see this film, yes by all means, its just a movie, so a small recommend from the grumpy old man
i liked the idea of this film, but i was not happy with the extreme smoothness of the crimes in the plot. neither are the acting good, and mr grillo...well i dont know what to say, but i could easily had done his role of 20 lines of verbal acting.not good.
but its good to spray some limelight on the actual practice, where are the chaperones in this system, is it money well spent or is it just pure business as all health care seems to be in the usa?
should you see this film, yes by all means, its just a movie, so a small recommend from the grumpy old man
Not a "true" story
Nevergivea102 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Watch this as entertainment and nothing more. Unfortunately, as you can see by the reviews, once people see that little "based on true story " tag line, they assume it's all real. The amount of fraud and payola portrayed in this movie isn't possibly sustainable in real life. Insurance companies do not pay the amounts described in this movie over and over again for the same person. And you can't fraudulently hire someone to work for you on Monday, put them on your company's insurance, and the next day they're covered for 72k in rehab expenses.
Everything that is wrong in the USA in a film
rbarratt-376098 June 2021
Speaking and watching in the UK. Where thankfully we get free health care. If only a percentage of this film is based on facts it's shocking. Only in the USA the home of pyramid selling can you find capitalist making money of people's addiction.
UTTER BULL
Carol-wise19 June 2021
Shame on John Swab. I was interested in this movie because it is my experience. I was a heroin addict in Cleveland, OH until I was 29. I called one of those phone numbers and was set up within 24 hours to get a flight to Orange County Hospital detox in SoCal. I went through the detox process for 2 weeks then went to live in a sober living group home.
In 15 years of my experiences through NA (Narcotics Anonymous), knowing other addicts, owners and agents of treatment facilities, I have NEVER seen this fraud occur. Do insurance companies make money? Of course they do. Do treatment centers make money? Of course they do. You can't keep a medical facility open with no way to pay the rent. It that is t a new phenomenon or pyramid scheme, it's the same for any medical establishment. Know who's making the money off this ? JOHN SWAB.
The only thing this movie does is cause those addicted and still struggling to have one more reason:excuse why they can't get clean because they dont trust anyone for help.
If you think this is a true story, it is not. I'm sorry it too Mr. Swab several times to get clean. But do t take it out on the rest of us. I am simply disgusted.
In 15 years of my experiences through NA (Narcotics Anonymous), knowing other addicts, owners and agents of treatment facilities, I have NEVER seen this fraud occur. Do insurance companies make money? Of course they do. Do treatment centers make money? Of course they do. You can't keep a medical facility open with no way to pay the rent. It that is t a new phenomenon or pyramid scheme, it's the same for any medical establishment. Know who's making the money off this ? JOHN SWAB.
The only thing this movie does is cause those addicted and still struggling to have one more reason:excuse why they can't get clean because they dont trust anyone for help.
If you think this is a true story, it is not. I'm sorry it too Mr. Swab several times to get clean. But do t take it out on the rest of us. I am simply disgusted.
It's not bad, it's a bit pointless
nathanmanson11 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I understand the message the film is showing but you can make a film on a message, you actually need a bit of substance to it. The film it's self wasn't bad but it genuinely was pointless with nothing really to it other then a good message. I think a 5 is spot on, as you can see by a lot of other reviews it's hard to give it anything more then a 6, even a 6 is generous in my opinion. I also think the ending was a bit pointless. It spends the film making you like him then at the last second kills him off. There's just not really a need, but I know it's because of the stupid message they're trying to give off.
Here's your cut
nogodnomasters11 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The film opens by telling you drug treatment centers are cash cows scamming insurance companies. We then see Utah (Jack Kilmer) and Opal (Alice Englert) being enticed to go to a lovely resort-style treatment center in California, all expenses paid. We later discover drug users are paid to come back. Utah is caught between the few success stories that he hears and his old way of life.
It was an interesting film. Clearly, not all centers are like this, and quitting addiction is a full-time lifetime job.
Guide: F-word. Brief sex. No nudity.
It was an interesting film. Clearly, not all centers are like this, and quitting addiction is a full-time lifetime job.
Guide: F-word. Brief sex. No nudity.
Quite depressing
lopezpatricia-0613912 June 2021
I found this quite poignant having addiction issues myself. But it also irritated me. The characters were desperately unlikable. I guess I that respect the film did it's job. Being emotive. But now I have to do research to see if the American healthcare system is as evil as made out.
Inacurrate.
jamesmcauslan-3306927 February 2021
If you're mainlining drugs, you have to wear long sleeves to hide the tracks. The young lady in this film goes around with her plump arms exposed. This is not how a junkie would dress. A movie about heroin and junkies should get its facts right before tackling the subject.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
