A gripping deep-sea rescue mission is brought to life in the new film "Last Breath," starring Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu. This thrilling drama, based on true events, opened in theaters on February 27, 2025, and quickly garnered significant attention at the box office, especially during the Oscar weekend. The film earned $7.8 million, landing at the #2 spot behind the superhero blockbuster "Captain America: Brave New World," which grossed $15 million during its third weekend.
Despite being overshadowed by larger competitors, it performed well against other recent releases, outpacing horror film "The Monkey," which fetched $6.3 million, and the family movie "Paddington in Peru," which brought in $4.5 million. The film's audiences reacted positively, achieving a remarkable 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to 76% from critics, reflecting its emotional impact and gripping narrative.
"Last Breath" revolves around the harrowing true story of deep-sea divers who face perilous circumstances to rescue one of their own during a routine mission. The incident, which took place off the coast of Scotland in September 2012, involved diver Chris Lemons (played by Finn Cole) becoming stranded 300 feet underwater when his umbilical cable was severed. With only five to ten minutes of backup oxygen, the conditions were dire as his fellow divers, including Duncan Allcock (Woody Harrelson) and David Yuasa (Simu Liu), struggled to mount any rescue.
This dramatic tale is not just about the physical struggle; it delves deep emotionally, exploring the dynamics among the divers and the crew aboard the support vessel. Liu's character, Dave, is highlighted as being particularly no-nonsense, confronting the reality of their situation bluntly when he remarks, "It’s a body recovery, not a rescue." This taut dialogue serves to heighten the film's tension as the audience grapples with the imminent danger of time running out.
Director Alex Parkinson, known previously for his documentary work, including the 2019 film about the same incident, made his narrative feature directorial debut with "Last Breath." Parkinson, who expressed initially being told he would never be allowed to direct this adaptation, finally seized the opportunity two years after producing the documentary, showcasing his skills as both a filmmaker and storyteller.
"It’s funny how quickly it became very normal and very at home on set," Parkinson remarked about his transition from documentaries to directing actors. His experience allowed him to convey urgency and authenticity, even within the confines of structured drama. The film is noted for its ability to transpose real-life terror to the screen without excessive dramatization, allowing the anxiety and tension to weave naturally through the narrative.
This approach is also reflected in the film's execution. It maintains fidelity to the source material, portraying the extreme dangers of deep-sea saturation divers, described at the onset of the film as possessing the most dangerous job on earth. The movie’s production successfully translates the overwhelming conditions of the North Sea, with its tumultuous waters making the stakes feel palpably high. This film features moments showcasing the beauty and terror of the ocean, embracing the vastness and unpredictability of nature.
Though the film runs for 93 minutes, there’s feedback from viewers expressing a desire for more content, highlighting their engagement with the story. The pacing is brisk, ensuring tension remains high, compelling the audience to hold their breath, reflecting the film’s title and thematic underpinning. Stewart Le Marechal, part of the film's production team, noted their intent to capture the immersive experience of deep-sea missions, highlighting how such going to see films about these powerful narratives matters.
Since its debut, "Last Breath" has garnered attention for its unique perspective on the dire experiences faced by the deep-sea divers, focusing on authenticity over melodrama. It utilizes real-life inspiration to provide both thrills and emotional depth, making it stand out among similar films. The interplay of compelling performances—particularly from Harrelson, Liu, and Cole—adds to the film's intensity, showcasing their characters’ internal conflicts and relationships across perilous circumstances.
Critics have also reflected on the shift from documentary to narrative filmmaking, noting how the film effectively retains the essence of the original true story. This balance of tension and character development reflects Parkinson's skill as he guides stars employing emotional nuance rather than relying merely on dramatic tropes. The film's highly charged narrative depicts ordinary individuals thrust alongside perilous challenges, aligning with Parkinson's thematic focus on human resilience and frailty.
"Last Breath" serves not only as entertainment but also as homage to the enduring spirit of those who face life-threatening scenarios beneath the waves. The poignancy of the story resonates with viewers, encouraging reflection on the lengths individuals will go to protect one another.
Fans of the genre can catch "Last Breath" at select theaters including Drive-In venues, Cineplex Winston Churchill, and Cineplex Oakville. The buzz surrounding the film speaks to its emancipated storytelling; expect to find audiences holding their breath as the film captures the very essence of fear, hope, and the courage of deep-sea divers against the backdrop of life and death situations.