El Camino spoiler-free review: Fitting Breaking Bad epilogue and tribute, but necessary?

Six years ago one of the greatest TV shows in history ended with a bang. Breaking Bad won legions of fans around the world, with creator Vince Gilligan expanding the universe in prequel series Better Call Saul. And now he’s opened the world up further by giving Breaking Bad an epilogue and closure to Jesse’s story in El Camino. Set right after his escape from the Nazis in series finale Felina, the Breaking Bad movie follows the fugitive in his bid for freedom. The announcement of the film has somewhat split fans of the show, with some hungry for more of Aaron Paul’s meth cook, while others were worried Gilligan might “George Lucas” it with a poor follow-up.

Well, it’s safe to say that El Camino won’t outrage in the way that JK Rowling’s Cursed Child play did some Harry Potter fans.

Gilligan is a master storyteller and wouldn’t make a Breaking Bad movie on a whim.

Luckily El Camino isn’t just a longer Breaking Bad episode, but a fitting epilogue and tribute to a much-loved show, even if the focus is no longer on the deceased Walter White.

The cameos (which we won’t spoil here) are a real treat for the fans, even if one of the actors looks distractingly different after a six-year gap.

But don’t expect everyone you might have thought to show up making an appearance.

Additionally, El Camino features some neat Easter Eggs from the show, so make sure you’ve refreshed yourself, while Marshall Adams’ cinematography captures some breathtaking shots of that familiar New Mexico landscape.

READ MORE: BREAKING BAD RECAP – WHERE ARE THE CHARACTERS AT?

In terms of performances, Paul stands out among the cast, effortlessly and convincingly slipping right back into Jesse’s skin and character development, right where we left him.

There are also some wonderful little details in Jesse’s actions, reflecting the more caring side of his complex character.

In terms of the story, it’s quite simple but Gilligan expertly crafts it as he would one of his Breaking Bad episodes; locking off Jesse’s options in the twists and turns during his pursuit of freedom.

While there’s certainly some added closure to Jesse’s story arc in El Camino, which provides a tad more satisfaction.

Yet it’s hard not leave the movie wondering if we really needed it. Wasn’t it enough to see Jesse driving away to freedom in Felina, leaving the rest up to our imaginations?

Gilligan hasn’t ruled out more Breaking Bad in some form for the future.

He said in a recent interview: “I do not intend to make anything further at this point. I’m not trying to be coy.

“But then I didn’t intend to do anything further after Breaking Bad. You sort of go where your heart takes you.

Whatever the case, here’s hoping he now leaves his great neo-western as it is.

El Camino is streaming on Netflix.