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Have you ever considered just how perilous a saturation diving job can be? In the thrilling new film Last Breath, starring Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu, viewers are taken on a heart-pounding journey into the depths of the North Sea, where routine maintenance quickly spirals into a nightmare of survival.
As the opening title card starkly states, saturation divers work in one of the most dangerous environments known to man. Last Breath is a cinematic adaptation of a harrowing true story that brings this reality to the forefront. Set against the backdrop of a complex pipeline system that crosses vast oceanic expanses, the film introduces us to Chris Lemons, played by Finn Cole, and his team, including the stoic and competent Dave Yuasa, portrayed by Simu Liu.
The film kicks off with a gripping introduction that immerses the audience in the preparation and the extreme conditions that saturation divers face. For days, they stay in pressurized chambers, suiting up to descend over 1,000 feet into pitch-black waters that resemble outer space more than our planet’s ocean floor. It’s a dream for adrenaline junkies but a nightmare for the faint-hearted.
Directed by Alex Parkinson, this adaptation of his own documentary from 2019 expertly captures the nuances of the trade. With a focus on realism, the film elaborates on the intricate details surrounding the divers’ equipment—mechanical thrusters, complex gas mixtures, and the umbilical cords that connect them to their lifeline. Each element enriches our understanding of the stakes involved, setting the stage for the impending crisis.
Last Breath takes us through the rigorous processes that divers undertake during what seems to be a routine job—until it isn’t. A catastrophic event during a pipeline repair attempts to steal the breath from the viewers as the tension escalates. The film’s strength lies in its ability to create a claustrophobic atmosphere, where every second counts, and every decision can mean the difference between life and death.
The cinematography needs special mention, as the filmmakers utilize both cinematic footage and in situ recordings, skillfully weaving between the divers, the control hub, and the ship above. This immersive approach is effective, particularly during moments where the audience feels the dread of oxygen deprivation. With each passing moment, the stakes rise, and so does the heart rate of the audience.
While the performances of Liu, Cole, and Harrelson are commendable, their characters do not experience significant depth outside the context of survival. Nonetheless, their controlled portrayals maintain the film's tension, helping to keep the audience glued to the screen. You can feel the palpable pressure as the characters navigate their terrifying circumstances, making choices that will resonate long after the credits roll.
However, one might argue that the film falters slightly in its conclusion. After the intense build-up, the aftermath feels somewhat rushed and lacks the same vigor that characterized the rest of the film. A brief resolution seems almost disconnected, as if the film had moved on too quickly from the chaos it so skillfully built.
Last Breath is a remarkable exploration of human tenacity, teamwork, and the indomitable spirit that can emerge in the face of overwhelming adversity. With its gripping narrative and thrilling underwater scenes, it encourages viewers to reflect on the risks taken in the name of progress. As humans continue to push boundaries, we must remember the stories behind those efforts—stories like that of the saturation divers who risk everything beneath the waves.
Prepare yourself for an adrenaline-fueled cinematic experience that genuinely takes your breath away. Last Breath is set to be released in US and UK cinemas on February 28, and in Australian cinemas in May. Will you dare to dive into this abyss of tension and survival?
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