The creators of the true-story-inspired diving rescue film “Last Breath” provide exactly what you might anticipate from a modern men’s adventure drama. The plot centers around a saturation diver who faces a life-threatening situation after collapsing near an oil pipeline at the bottom of the Northern Sea. The film features some intense moments, along with dialogue that can feel a bit over-the-top, delivered by characters who are portrayed as down-to-earth but often lack depth. However, the strong ensemble cast, including Finn Cole, Woody Harrelson, and Simu Liu, brings a level of authenticity, especially during the emergency scenes. Unfortunately, the emotional exchanges between the main characters often fall flat, resulting in dialogue that feels more cliché than impactful.
Fans of disaster adventure films might glance at that summary and think it resembles a genre movie that serves as easygoing comfort food. To those viewers, I say: I get it, really, but not every uplifting story of bravery can be simplified to something bland without sacrificing much of its essence. Rather than savoring the unique elements of this narrative, you might find yourself appreciating its well-known delights and perhaps the skillful craftsmanship of its creators.
1. At the start of “Last Breath,” we meet Chris (Cole), a novice yet skilled diver, who attempts to ease the worries of his anxious fiancée Morag (Bobby Rainsbury) before embarking on a month-long dive. He likens himself to an astronaut, but Morag is only somewhat comforted, and this comparison quickly sets the tone for the film's predictable style. Directed by Alex Parkinson, along with his co-writers, the film leans heavily into a pseudo-naturalistic approach, presenting itself as an underwater take on the hard science fiction genre that has gained popularity with films like “Arrival,” “Interstellar,” and “The Martian.” Unfortunately, “Last Breath” lacks the thrilling details and driving momentum that make those films so engaging.
The film opens with a body lying on its side, captured through realistic underwater drone footage. The screen then displays the words “Based on a true story.” We follow Chris and his two diving companions, the tough Dave (Liu) and the sentimental Duncan (Harrelson), as they embark on what should be a routine dive. However, when Chris’s umbilical tether becomes entangled, it endangers not only him but also the support ship for his team and two other diving crews. Dave cautions Chris that once they dive, the outside world ceases to exist. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case, as the frequent flashbacks to Morag only serve to slow down the already languid pace of the plot.
A significant part of the movie's appeal lies in its delightful cheesiness, especially in scenes featuring Duncan, a diving veteran on the verge of retirement who has a folksy saying for every occasion. Harrelson shines in this easygoing role, as Duncan is the type of character who navigates life with comforting fatherly reassurances and plenty of friendly yet forgettable chatter. Liu’s character, on the other hand, is more of a cliché; he plays the stoic Dave, who listens to heavy metal while working out shirtless. While his role isn’t substantial, he does seem a bit lost throughout the film.
In films like this, the real unsung heroes are often the technicians who manage the rescue operations and their anxious supervisors. Here, that role is filled by Mark Bonnar as Craig, the concerned diving supervisor. He’s supported by a solid cast, including character actor Cliff Curtis and B-movie favorite MyAnna Buring in key roles. It’s unfortunate that Curtis, portraying a ship’s captain, doesn’t have much to do other than affirm or reject his team’s commands. He excels at conveying unspoken tension, but it feels like he could showcase more if given the chance.
The standout moments in “Last Breath” highlight the film’s essence as a reflection on mortality, where tough, action-oriented men confront their own fragility. Some lines of dialogue emphasize this theme, such as when Dave nonchalantly suggests that their jobs might be fully automated in the next ten years. Fortunately, Parkinson co-directed a documentary about this very incident (also titled “Last Breath,” released in 2019), so he knows how to effectively portray underwater sequences. He skillfully blends handheld camera work with surveillance footage from inside and around Chris and his team’s diving bell. As a result, “Last Breath” often delivers tension where it matters, compensating for its shortcomings.
If you enjoy string cheese, you might find something to appreciate in “Last Breath.” Your dad, in particular, could be the perfect viewer for it. He might even have his own thoughts to share, which reflects more on the film's many mediocre moments than on his personal preferences. While he is your dad, it won't be entirely his fault if “Last Breath” doesn't quite satisfy him.
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