One of the most perilous professions mirrors the challenges of space exploration—only it unfolds beneath the ocean’s surface. Last Breath is a gripping survival thriller directed by Alex Parkinson and penned by Parkinson, Mitchell LaFortune, and David Brooks. Serving as a feature-length adaptation of the 2019 documentary Parkinson co-directed with Richard da Costa, the film dramatizes a harrowing true story. When a commercial diver (Chris Lemons) becomes stranded at the bottom of the North Sea with only five minutes of oxygen and no possibility of rescue for at least thirty, his fate hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, his veteran deep-sea diving colleagues (played by Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu) face the merciless forces of nature as they fight to bring him back from the depths. Complementing the film’s high-stakes tension, the original documentary’s participants offer firsthand accounts of the life-altering ordeal.
Last Breath expertly builds tension, enhanced by a haunting score that underscores the film’s sense of urgency. The dialogue is sparse, relying on the suffocating intensity of the underwater sequences to maintain momentum. However, much of the drama unfolds in long stretches of waiting, and the rescue attempt is steeped in technical jargon that can feel cumbersome, making the film less engaging at times. That said, the production design is striking, with careful attention to the intricate details of the boat’s interior and exterior, as well as the vast, foreboding presence of the sea. The immersive soundscape further amplifies the experience, capturing the relentless clanking of metal, the rhythmic swish of water, and the deep, echoing currents that emphasize the overwhelming isolation of the deep.
Ultimately, Last Breath is a visually and sonically immersive experience that thrives on atmosphere but struggles with emotional engagement. While it delivers moments of suspense, particularly in its opening and climax, the film’s reliance on prolonged waiting and technical dialogue dampens its overall impact. Though it falls short as a fully compelling thriller, its craftsmanship in sound design and underwater cinematography ensures that it remains a tense, if somewhat hollow, survival story.
