Based on a true story, I found the idea of Last Breath interesting and was curious how compelling it would be. With an incredible cast that includes Simu Liu, Woody Harrelson, and Finn Cole, I expected good performances. Relating a story about a dangerous true event, the film tells that story with simplicity, compelling performances and dynamic scenes with just enough technical aspects for a layperson to understand. Last Breath is breathtaking with stellar effects. 

Last Breath is a survival thriller film directed by Alex Parkinson and written by Parkinson, Mitchell LaFortune, and David Brook. It is a feature film remake of the 2019 documentary that Parkinson co-directed with Richard da Costa. Based on a true story, one that is actually stranger than fiction, the film follows a group of deep-sea divers, Chris Lemons (Finn Cole), Duncan Allcock (Woody Harrelson) and David Yuasa (Simu Liu) on a job to repair an oil rig. When Chris’ line breaks during the operation, the crew of the ship and his teammates must race to rescue him before time runs out. The film also stars Bobby Rainsbury as Morag, Chris’s fiance, Cliff Curtis as Captain Andre Jenson, Mark Bonnar as Craig (Dive Chief) and MyAnna Buring as Hanna, first mate. 

One of the aspects that the film does well is balancing the suspense with the technical aspects of the dive. The film shares details during the first part of the dive to help explain and create a believable atmosphere as the crew gets ready for their dive. What is stellar is how the technical aspects are kept streamlined enough to keep the story moving but gives us just enough details to help the audience understand not only how the equipment works but also how dangerous the job is to perform. That understanding allows the story to build suspense in a believable and natural way, making the film a true nailbiter. 

The story is simple, not because of a lack of complexity but because it focuses on the event and not on tedious backstory. While we don’t get a ton of background on the main characters, the interactions between the characters are enough to build their characters and provide enough information to build sympathy for them. The writing is compelling because it sticks to the suspense of the situation and how the men are going to rescue their stranded companion. The storm above and the danger below are enough to create a dynamic complex world. And the photography is stellar, enhancing the amazing story. 

The acting in the film is intense and incredible. Woody Harrelson is equal parts funny and powerful as the senior diver, told it is his last mission. Simu Liu as David Yuasa is focused and emotional. Finn Cole carries much of the emotional weight of the story on his shoulders but does so with a dynamic performance. His emotional connection with the other characters enhances the compelling nature of the story and the film highlights his connection to his fiance Morag. The interactions with her at both the beginning and end of the film are beautiful. The rest of the cast, Cliff Curtis as Captain Andre Jenson, Mark Bonnar as Craig (Dive Chief) and MyAnna Buring as Hanna, first mate are all stunning, giving performances that keep you on the edge of your seat and makes each scene suspenseful.

What makes this so much more incredible is that the actual story matches the film, quite honestly one of those times that truth is truly stranger than fiction. But it does mean that the ending has some predictable moments. What I found is that it did  not detract from the suspense for me and ultimately the final scenes are some of the most emotional and intense as it shows the depth of the bond between the three men and also Chris Lemons bond with his fiance Morag. Those simple human connections are what make the story so profoundly good. 

If you like intense, powerful stories and you happen to like Simu Liu, Woody Harrelson or Finn Cole, I am telling you to go watch this one in theaters. The wide screen will only enhance the beautiful photography and the dangerous suspense of the underwater mission. The dynamic and emotional acting will add depth to the scenes. The ending is believable and compelling even if truth is stranger than fiction and the real life clips of the real divers are a highlight at the end of the film. This film is breathtaking.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 breathes

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