Movie Review: Last Breath
“Diving into Desperation: ‘Last Breath’ Reimagines a Harrowing True Survival Saga with Stellar Cast and Technical Mastery”
Directed by Alex Parkinson and penned by the trio of Mitchell LaFortune, Parkinson, and David Brooks, Last Breath is a visceral survival thriller that plunges audiences into the chilling true story of three saturation divers trapped in a nightmare 100 meters beneath the North Sea. A dramatic reimagining of Parkinson’s own 2019 documentary of the same name, the film stars Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, Finn Cole, and Cliff Curtis in a heart-stopping tale of human resilience against insurmountable odds.
The True Story Behind the Screen
Inspired by the 2012 Bibby Topaz diving incident, Last Breath reconstructs the ordeal of commercial divers Duncan Allcock (Harrelson), Dave Yuasa (Liu), and Chris Lemons (Cole), whose routine maintenance job on an oil rig turns catastrophic when a storm severs their umbilical tether to the surface. Stranded in pitch-black waters with dwindling oxygen, the trio must navigate collapsing equipment, hypothermia, and the crushing weight of the abyss while their crewmates—led by rig manager Craig (Cliff Curtis)—race against time to mount a rescue.
The film expands on the documentary’s framework, weaving in dramatic subplots about the divers’ personal lives—Allcock’s strained relationship with his daughter, Yuasa’s battle with survivor’s guilt, and Lemons’ quiet determination—to humanize their fight for survival.
Behind the Lens: Technical Brilliance
Parkinson, who co-directed the original documentary, leverages his intimate knowledge of the event to craft a claustrophobic, immersive experience. Cinematographer Charlotte Bruus Christensen (A Quiet Place) employs a mix of practical underwater shots and innovative camera rigs to simulate the disorienting pressure of the deep sea. Wide-angle lenses distort the diverse perspectives, while sound designer Glenn Freemantle (Gravity) amplifies every creak of metal and gurgle of escaping air to a nerve-shredding effect.
“We wanted the audience to feel the weight of the ocean,” Parkinson explained in a recent interview. “The actors trained in hyperbaric chambers and performed 90% of their own stunts underwater. The fear you see is real.”
Standout Performances
Woody Harrelson delivers a career-defining performance as Allcock, the seasoned diver grappling with leadership and mortality. His portrayal of a man oscillating between calculated calm and visceral panic anchors the film’s emotional core. Simu Liu sheds his Shang-Chi heroism to embody Yuasa’s vulnerability, particularly in a haunting flashback sequence detailing a prior diving accident. Finn Cole (Peaky Blinders) shines as Lemons, whose ingenuity and physical endurance push the limits of human survival.
Cliff Curtis, as the surface team’s frantic leader, provides a gripping counterpoint to the underwater chaos. His scenes—punctuated by real radio transcripts from the incident—highlight the helplessness of those watching from above.
Themes of Brotherhood and Mortality
Beyond its thrills, Last Breath interrogates the psychology of risk-taking professions. Screenwriter Mitchell LaFortune, a military veteran, infused the script with themes of sacrifice and camaraderie. “These divers trust each other with their lives daily,” he noted. “We wanted to explore what happens when that trust is the only thing keeping them alive.”
The film also poses existential questions: What drives humans to work in lethal environments? When does hope become a liability? A haunting score by Hildur Guðnadóttir (Joker) underscores these dilemmas, blending eerie choral arrangements with the metallic groans of the deep.
CWEB Movie Reviewer: ‘A Technical Triumph with Soul’
CWEB Movie Reviewer Jessica Marlow lauded the film as “a masterclass in tension and humanity,” praising its balance of spectacle and emotional depth. “Last Breath isn’t just a survival story—it’s a meditation on what it means to confront mortality head-on,” Marlow wrote. “Harrelson and Liu deliver career-best performances, but the real star is the film’s technical audacity. The underwater sequences are so visceral, you’ll forget to breathe.”
Marlow also highlighted the screenplay’s deft handling of its source material: “By expanding the divers’ backstories, the writers avoid the pitfall of sensationalism. This isn’t exploitation; it’s a tribute.”
Critical Reception and Legacy
Early reviews echo CWEB’s enthusiasm, with Variety calling it “The Martian meets The Abyss” and The Hollywood Reporter applauding its “groundbreaking immersion.” However, some critics argue the dramatic liberties—including a fictionalized subplot involving a malfunctioning rebreather—detract from the documentary’s authenticity.
Yet for Parkinson, the goal was never a strict retelling. “This isn’t just a story about surviving the ocean,” he said. “It’s about confronting the parts of yourself that surface when death is inches away.”
Final Verdict
Last Breath is a masterclass in tension, blending fact and fiction to create a blockbuster that honors its real-life heroes. With powerhouse performances, groundbreaking underwater cinematography, and a script that balances spectacle with soul, it’s a film that will leave audiences gasping—both from suspense and the sheer emotional toll of its journey.
Last Breath dives into theaters nationwide on November 8, 2024.
Key Details:
- Runtime: 118 minutes
- Rating: PG-13 (intense peril, brief strong language)
- Post-Credits Scene: A touching tribute to the real-life divers, including archival footage and interviews.
- CWEB Rating: 9/10 (“Unmissable and unforgettable”)
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