Imagine being trapped hundreds of feet below the ocean’s surface, with nothing but the crushing pressure of the deep and dwindling oxygen. Last Breath (2025), directed by Alex Parkinson, brings this chilling scenario to life in a film that is as thrilling as it is terrifying. Based on a true story, this movie follows a group of seasoned deep-sea divers as they face the ultimate test of survival—rescuing their crewmate from the unforgiving ocean depths.
Plot Overview
In Last Breath, veteran divers are suddenly thrust into a race against time when one of their own is trapped deep beneath the ocean’s surface during a routine mission gone wrong. With the clock ticking and nature’s wrath bearing down on them, they must find a way to save their crewmate, who is rapidly running out of air and options.
As they battle the raging elements, the film masterfully captures the intensity and pressure of the situation, both literally and figuratively. The ocean, while beautiful, becomes a terrifying adversary in this heart-pounding tale of survival.
A Stellar Cast: Harrelson, Liu, and Cole
The film stars Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, and Finn Cole, and each brings a unique dynamic to the movie. Woody Harrelson takes on the role of the seasoned diver, guiding the team with his expertise while grappling with the weight of responsibility. Harrelson’s performance is both grounded and intense, portraying a man who knows the dangers of the deep but is determined not to lose one of his own.
Simu Liu, who plays one of the younger divers, adds depth to the story by portraying someone still trying to prove himself in this dangerous profession. He delivers a performance filled with both grit and vulnerability, showing the inner struggle of maintaining composure under extreme pressure.
Finn Cole plays the trapped diver, and his portrayal is nothing short of harrowing. Stuck in the terrifying isolation of the ocean’s abyss, Cole captures the fear and determination of a man fighting for every last breath.
You might find yourself holding your breath right alongside him.
The Real Star: The Ocean
While the actors deliver stellar performances, the real star of Last Breath is the ocean itself. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the immense power of the sea—its beauty, yes, but also its terrifying, deadly potential. The cinematography does an incredible job of making the audience feel the claustrophobic nature of deep-sea diving.
The ocean is both a breathtaking and merciless character in this story. As the divers plunge deeper into the abyss, the tension builds, with the audience constantly reminded of the perilous environment that surrounds them. One wrong move, and it’s game over.
A True Story of Heroism
What makes Last Breath even more impactful is the fact that it’s based on true events. The story serves as a testament to human resilience and the unbreakable bond between crewmates in life-or-death situations. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about the lengths people will go to save those they care about, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
The film strikes a balance between heart-pounding action and emotional depth, as the divers not only fight against the elements but also confront their fears and doubts. The stakes feel real because they are real—this isn’t just a fictional tale of adventure, it’s a story rooted in actual human experience.
Humor in the Deep
Even in the darkest moments, Last Breath doesn’t shy away from injecting bits of humor. The divers share moments of camaraderie and lighthearted banter that remind the audience these are real people, not just action heroes.
“Yeah, no pressure, just a couple hundred feet of water above us,” one of them quips before the rescue mission takes off. It’s these little moments of humor that make the characters more relatable and the story even more gripping.
Final Thoughts
Last Breath (2025) is more than just a survival thriller—it’s a powerful story of human endurance, teamwork, and the relentless will to survive against all odds. With outstanding performances from Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, and Finn Cole, and breathtaking underwater cinematography, this film is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good edge-of-your-seat thriller.
Just make sure you’re ready to hold your breath for 93 minutes.