Last Breath (Parkinson, 2025)

Last Breath will have you holding your breath from start to finish.

Written by Mariane Tremblay

Directed by Alex Parkinson and written by Parkinson, Mitchell LaFortune, and David Brooks, Last Breath is a gripping and intense thriller that immerses viewers in one of the most dangerous professions on Earth. The film is a feature-length remake of the 2019 documentary Parkinson co-directed with Richard da Costa. It follows a team of deep-sea divers racing against time to rescue a stranded teammate after a life-threatening accident.

Based on a true story, Last Breath takes us into the world of saturation divers who maintain pipelines running across the ocean floor, working at depths of up to 1,000 feet. The constant and looming danger these divers face is impossible to ignore, and the film does an exceptional job of making you feel the weight of every decision and every second as they navigate the extreme risks of their environment.

What’s captivating in Last Breath is its exploration of the human aspect of this dangerous job. These divers risk their lives every day, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. One small mistake could result in disaster. The men and women overseeing these operations carry the immense responsibility of ensuring their teams' safety, as well as preventing potential environmental disasters, with the weight of life and death in their hands (my anxiety could never). The level of commitment and courage required for this line of work is staggering, and the film doesn’t shy away from showing just how terrifying and precarious it is.

The tone of the film is notably more realistic than a typical Hollywood thriller, grounded in the true danger and pressure of this work. Parkinson uses actual footage from his documentary, adding authenticity to the story and strengthening the emotional connection. This approach helps keep the focus on the raw, real-world stakes, enhancing the intensity and emotional resonance of the narrative.

As the story progresses, it becomes emotionally intense in ways you might not anticipate, with the tension never letting up. Last Breath is a powerful tribute to human courage and resilience while also offering a gut-wrenching glimpse into the harsh realities of this profession.

The film’s soundtrack and sound design are key elements that elevate the entire experience. The score is both haunting and suspenseful, intensifying the tension throughout the film. Watching Last Breath with a high-quality sound system is strongly recommended, as the music and sound design play a crucial role in the emotional impact of the film. The score remains a constant presence, amplifying the sense of urgency and making each scene feel even more immersive and intense.

Last Breath is a gripping story of survival, sacrifice, and the unrelenting pressure of working in one of the world’s most dangerous professions. If you're in search of a film that will have you holding your breath from start to finish, Last Breath is an experience you won’t want to miss!

The film is now playing in theatres. 

Photo courtesy of Elevation Pictures.

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