Last Breath

A curiously bloodless account of a real-life disaster that has moments of gripping tension punctuating long stretches of fatally understated business as usual.

After seeing it, I felt deeply lucky to be chained to a desk.

Director Alex Parkinson, who co-directed a 2019 documentary about the incredible true story on which this film is based, makes an efficient fist of this breathless (literally) survival movie.

The deep, dark subaqueous world becomes the stage for a gripping survival drama. Parkinson and cinematographer Nick Remy Matthews understand this underworld realm as a place of gauzy slowness where dread unfolds at a measured pace.

Unfortunately, Last Breath squeezes every ounce of emotion from its premise. The suspense of locating Chris and determining his survival is extended to near excess.

The film wisely clocks in at just over 90 minutes, giving a sense of urgency that serves the story well. The watery recreations are well done&#59; If you fear drowning as much as I do, these scenes will be even more effective.

It's a perfectly functional way to spend 90-odd minutes, albeit without getting under the surface of the human terror that should be at the heart of proceedings.

Parkinson’s no frills approach to telling a true story is what makes this a dynamic thriller with some staying power for multiple viewings. The movie says a lot without having to produce monologues or speeches.

As Dad Movies go, this is still a good one. I can definitely see myself falling asleep on the couch to this some Sunday in the future.

Last Breath is a largely gripping affair.