Last Breath, directed by Alex Parkinson and based on true events, is both a gripping survival tale and a narrative burdened by its limitations. Following the harrowing experiences of saturation divers, the film highlights the claustrophobic and dangerous nature of deep-sea work. The story revolves around Chris Lemons (Finn Cole), veteran diver Duncan Allock (Woody Harrelson), and skilled yet taciturn Dave Yuasa (Simu Liu), who are tasked with repairing underwater pipelines at the bottom of the North Sea. When their vessel encounters severe weather, it leads to catastrophic consequences as Chris gets trapped at the ocean floor, running dangerously low on oxygen.
The 2019 documentary, also titled Last Breath, served as the groundwork for this adaptation, capturing the true essence of Chris's story but allowing Parkinson the opportunity to inject cinematic elements for heightened tension. Unfortunately, critics have noted the film's shortcomings, particularly its narrative thinness and one-dimensional characters. While it showcases the technicalities of deep-sea operations, it sacrifices character development for pacing.
According to various reviews, the film successfully immerses viewers with its realistic portrayal of deep-sea peril. Cinematographer Nick Remy Matthews captures the essence of being submerged under crushing oceanic pressure, creating feelings of tension and dread. Vibrant visuals paint both the terrifying thrum of the depths and the gripping nature of the divers’ mission. “The dark, cloudy water feels both overwhelmingly vast and suffocately claustrophobic,” one review notes, reflecting on how the setting alone serves to amplify the stakes of the narrative.
Set against the unpredictable backdrop of the ocean, Last Breath turns its protagonist's dynamic with his crew members—Duncan and Dave—into the fabric of its emotional core. Duncan, the veteran diver, delivers his typical world-weary charm, anchoring the film with hints of paternal concern for the younger divers. His experience is juxtaposed against Chris’s youthful ambition, though it raises questions about depth. Reviewers have highlighted moments where the character interactions suffer from being stilted or formulaic, leading to any potential emotional connection being lost amid the chaos.
“There’s less to spoil than one might think,” notes one critic, underlining the film’s tendency to render its characters as stock types—characters who become vehicles for action rather than relatable human beings. The movie plays through the events with alarming predictability, and the emotional stakes, though present, never fully manifest beyond dramatic beats. Critics point out the screenplay, co-written with Mitchell LaFortune and David Brooks, often feels more like stage directions than layered dialogue, limiting viewers' ability to connect with the divers’ plight fully.
Despite its flaws, the film does capitalize on the life-and-death scenario, compelling viewers through sheer suspense. It captures fundamental human instincts—willpower and collective responsibility—as the crew's desperate race against the clock to save Chris feels urgent. The ticking clock depicting Chris’s dwindling oxygen supply serves as both literal and metaphorical pulse of the film, driving home the urgency of survival.
The cinematic flair imparts intensity, earning the film its share of accolades. Reviewers have praised its impressive technical proficiency—many citing realistic underwater sequences intertwined with tension-inducing moments—the effect of which promises to engage viewers through moments of nail-biting suspense as the divers try to rescue or recover their comrade.
Adding to the film's impact is its realism; Parkinson's decision to present the diver's experience authentically, without excessive dramatization, lends validity to the portrayed events. But as critics note, the documentary roots can sometimes work against it as well. Comparisons drawn between the film and the documentary often leave viewers longing for the emotional depth and engagement achieved by the latter.
Even if audiences find themselves applauding the film's ambitions, it subtly suggests there remains much more to explore within the narrative. This sentiment resonates with reviewers who felt the movie could have expanded its storytelling instead of relying solely on procedural thrills. “You wonder what sort of exploration could have unfolded,” reflects one critic, highlighting the miss of opportunities to utilize the material more vividly.
Review summaries encapsulate the viewer experience; “Last Breath delivers tension in spades but lacks depth.” When the end credits roll, audiences might find themselves contemplating the significant weight of the story yet wishing for more connection with the characters who make up its heart. Fans of the survival genre will undoubtedly find worth here, but the film's challenge lies within its daring story and the complex humanity it seeks to portray.
Overall, appreciate Last Breath for its technical achievements and gripping premise; there’s enough tension to keep viewers engaged, even if the emotional resonance falters. This is especially underlined by the film’s brief runtime of approximately 93 minutes, which captures events efficiently but leaves one wishing for more character exploration, potentially enriching this unique narrative of hope, perseverance, and skilled teamwork.
Last Breath hits theaters on February 28, 2025, for audiences eager to experience this edge-of-the-seat thriller. Whether or not it manages to leave as great of an impact on viewers as the original documentary remains to be seen.