Saagar Kote
Carlyle Eubank’s Western drama film, ‘Broke,’ follows the challenging journey of bronc rider True Brandywine. Trapped in a blizzard, True reflects on past events that led to his desperate situation. The film depicts his struggle for survival against both physical and mental hardships, as he confronts his regrets and trauma. In this tumultuous journey, the protagonist’s true companion is his horse named “Dude.” The black horse sticks with his friend through his trials and tribulations in life. Unfortunately, both friends get trapped in an unexpected blizzard, leaving them stranded. Dude’s survival, just like his friend’s, becomes a matter of concern. The connection between the two souls almost makes it seem impossible for them to survive without each other. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Dude Survives Miraculously After Sustaining Injuries During the Blizzard
Named after Jeff Bridges’ character “The Dude” from ‘The Big Lebowski’ by Joel Coen, “Dude” is True Brandywine’s closest friend. He provides the main character with a purpose whenever he’s with him. True shows throughout the narrative that he is extremely attached to his four-legged friend as well. It is interesting to point out that the film opens with True looking for Dude after dragging himself out of the snow. The protagonist’s desperation to find his buddy proves how intense their bond is. Unfortunately, like True, Dude also finds it difficult to survive the blizzard. True braves the storm alone and finds himself an abandoned cabin to take shelter in.
In a poignant scene, he imagines Dude being injured and dying. Though it is shown in a way that Dude is also in the cabin, it is clear that the protagonist is imagining his friend dying because of his trauma of losing his brother Caleb at an earlier point in his life. He apologizes to his horse for letting him down and even says, “I can’t lose another,” referring to the untimely demise of his little brother. However, in a heartwarming moment, after True is greeted by warm sunlight after hours of snow, he is able to step out of the cabin, even surviving a suicide attempt. He walks into the open fields again and hopes to get out of his ordeal, but gets extremely emotional when he finds Dude waiting for him. Despite his worst fears, he is relieved to find his dear friend alive, despite the black horse being injured.
The protagonist walks emotionally towards Dude and caresses his face, reuniting with him. The two friends then proceed to walk towards the main road to escape the abandoned region. Fortunately, a driver spots the two of them in his side view mirror and goes back to help them. In an almost miraculous way, True and Dude survive their ordeal and make it out alive. In a montage sequence towards the very end of the narrative, a black horse is seen in the background of George driving his farm vehicle. Though it is not clearly visible, it can be presumed that it is Dude, still alive after a while, and back on the farm. Dude’s survival is a poignant event in True’s life, which gives him the inspiration to pursue happiness and love.
