Summer holds a special place for shark films, as one of the most iconic franchises was set during this glorious season. However, regardless of the time of year, no one wants to be on the menu of a shark. In the underwater thriller "The Last Breath," directed by Joachim Hedén and written by Nick Saltrese, terror is taken up a notch as a group of divers are pinned in an abandoned warship by multiple sharks. Despite the dynamics that have split them apart in recent years, the group must overcome their differences to survive the terrifying depths.
While the sharks often look shabby, "The Last Breath" is a decent tension-building thriller. The worst place to escape from a shark is in their habitat, and Hedén and his crew do a great job of reminding us of that.
"The Last Breath" wastes no time throwing you into the deep end. The ferocity of the sharks is felt from the initial scenes. Once you get past the usual stereotypes of the group, the underwater fun begins. There are plenty of scenes that are uneasy to watch, as the effects team did a great job capitalizing on both top and underside shots of the actors in peril. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the sharks, which drags the film down aesthetically and brings "The Last Breath" too close to B-movie status. Still, the gore and anguish of the cast members are palpable, so praise is due for their performances, elevating the film's prestige. The brutality of the sharks will be a point of discussion, but it might also turn some fans away.
"The Last Breath" has the potential to succeed in other media. The entire experience felt like a survival video game, with viewers anxiously waiting for the characters' air to run out or the next shark attack. "Survival horror" is the best description for "The Last Breath," as it will keep viewers guessing who will make it to the end.
Nature will always be a force to reckon with, whether on the surface or beneath it. With changing climates and storms, the domino effect is unfathomable. Predators may migrate to previously uncharted areas because their original habitats become inaccessible. Humanity will also adapt, and "The Last Breath" teaches us that now more than ever, we must look before we leap.
2.5/5
The Last Breath
Directed by Joachim Hedén & Written by Nick Saltrese
Starring Kim Spearman, Jack Parr, Alexander Arnold, Erin Mullen, Arlo Carter, and Julian Sands.
Comments