Alex Parkinson's debut drama movie Last Breath is set to make its way to theaters, offering audiences a gripping retelling of true events. The film is based on Parkinson’s own acclaimed 2019 documentary, which detailed the harrowing story of deep-sea diver Chris Lemons, who found himself stranded on the seabed with only limited oxygen.
Starring Finn Cole as Lemons, the film also features Woody Harrelson as Duncan Allcock and Simu Liu as David Yuasa, who were Lemons’ colleagues during the life-threatening incident. The narrative promises to deliver both stunning visuals and heart-pounding suspense, effectively capturing the suffocative environment of deep-sea exploration.
Set to be released on February 28, 2025, the film has been hailed as more than just entertainment; it aims to navigate the traumatic experience of its real-life counterpart sitting 330 feet beneath the surface.
The film's official release, distributed by Focus Features, will mark its entry onto theater screens across major cinema chains. Notably, Last Breath is rated PG-13 and has a runtime of 93 minutes. Its anticipation has already gathered steam, with tickets set to become available soon.
Alongside its theatrical release, Last Breath will also see a wide UK release on the same day as its US debut, with other international locations following closely. For audiences waiting to see it on streaming services, reports suggest it may land on streaming platforms like Peacock by late Spring 2025. Meanwhile, the original documentary streaming on Netflix has prompted speculation about its simultaneous availability.
Reflecting on the dramatic storyline, the film encapsulates the incredible 2012 incident where saturation divers Duncan Allcock and Dave Yuasa, played by Harrelson and Liu respectively, raced against time to save Lemons. During what was intended to be a routine job, Lemons lost oxygen due to a system failure, plunging him and his colleagues deep under exceptional pressure and risk.
During production, the real-life divers were able to visit the set of Last Breath, sharing their experiences with cast and crew. Producer Norman Golightly remarked, “It’s been great to meet the real-life characters from the documentary and see them next to our actors. It’s always interesting taking a documentary or a piece of source material and then recreate it creatively.”
Woody Harrelson, who plays Allcock, shared his insights on meeting the original mentor of the story. He said, “Well, it was a cool thing to meet the real Duncan. I had already heard he was one of the most beloved people. Everybody loves him.”
Simu Liu also expressed admiration for Yuasa’s stoic yet effective demeanor during the crisis. “There’s such a stoicism about him, and a very pragmatic, almost emotionless side of him,” he stated, emphasizing the character depth portrayed through real events.
Lastly, Finn Cole, who embodies the character of Lemons, noted the importance of accurately conveying the emotional struggles of deep-sea divers. He expressed, “It’s cool to see exactly how the real guys do this. We tried to talk about the emotional side of what they go through, especially after such events.”
Overall, Last Breath is poised not only to thrill audiences with its dramatization but also to create awareness about the risks and realities faced by deep-sea divers. The film is set to redefine underwater cinematography, creating immersive experiences for viewers. With its release date approaching, anticipation continues to mount as the story of true survival prepares to captivate audiences worldwide.