My quick rating – 6.8/10. This flick plunges us into the perilous world of deep-sea diving, following a team of seasoned saturation divers as they risk everything to save a trapped crewmate hundreds of feet below the ocean’s surface. This gripping survival thriller delivers a tense, visceral experience that immerses you in the unforgiving environment of underwater maintenance, where danger lurks with every breath.
The film’s strongest asset is its sheer realism. The underwater sequences feel suffocatingly claustrophobic, making it clear just how terrifying and intense this kind of work truly is, especially in the face of raging seas. The story is one of resilience, teamwork, and the unwavering bravery required for a job that keeps vital infrastructure running in some of the most hostile conditions on Earth. It sheds light on the often-overlooked world of saturation divers, whose work at depths of up to 1,000 feet ensures the Internet pipelines crisscrossing the ocean floor remain intact.
While Last Breath isn’t the most emotionally charged film at first glance, it sneaks up on you with its human moments, delivering unexpected depth. The dynamic between Woody Harrelson, portraying a veteran diver on the brink of retirement, and Simu Liu, the younger, gung-ho counterpart, is serviceable but not groundbreaking. Their performances inside the diving “bell” are solid, though not the film’s highlight. Where the film truly shines is in its high-stakes boat sequences. The storm-tossed vessel, recreated with stunning CGI, brings a brutal authenticity to the film, making you feel every violent sway and crashing wave.
Even if you’re familiar with the real-life story that inspired Last Breath, the film presents it in a way that still makes it worth the watch. Director Alex Parkinson nicely followed up his documentary about the same event (and same name) with this feature-length flick. It’s an intense, edge-of-your-seat experience that commands appreciation for the extreme dangers of deep-sea diving. Just maybe don’t watch it right before bed like I did. It’s the kind of movie that lingers with you, making you grateful for every breath you take on solid ground.
Theater at home pricing on Amazon among these other streamers. Links will be the same when the price drops.