Breathe

Movie Trailer

Release Date
April 26, 2024

Genre
Science Fiction Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Jennifer Hudson as Maya
• Milla Jovovich as Tess
• Quvenzhané Wallis as Zora
• Common as Darius
• Sam Worthington as Lucas
• Raúl Castillo as Micah
• Dan Martin as Mike

Director
Stefon Bristol

Producer

• Basil Iwanyk
• Erica Lee
• Christian Mercuri
• David Haring

Writer
Doug Simon

Production Company

• Capstone Studios
• Thunder Road Films
• Streamline Global

Distributed By
Variance Films

Running Time
93 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
Not Rated

Content Advisory

• Intense violence
• Dystopian themes
• Language

Movie Story
“Breathe” is a gripping science fiction thriller set in a dystopian future where the Earth’s oxygen levels have plummeted to a mere 5%, making the planet’s surface uninhabitable without specialized breathing equipment. The film follows a group of survivors who navigate a desolate world in search of oxygen generators, their only hope for survival. The story centers on Maya (Jennifer Hudson), Tess (Milla Jovovich), and Zora (Quvenzhané Wallis) as they struggle to stay alive in this harsh new reality.

The film begins with a catastrophic event that leads to the mass extinction of plant life, causing global oxygen levels to drop drastically. The remaining survivors are left to fend for themselves in a world where every breath is a fight for survival. Instead of banding together, humanity is fractured, with groups turning against each other in desperate attempts to secure the remaining oxygen generators. Maya, Tess, and Zora are part of a small group that encounters a powerful generator, but their hopes are dashed as greed and mistrust lead to violence, resulting in the destruction of the generator and the deaths of several members.

As the group moves on, they face the same cycle of conflict and destruction in their quest to find a stable source of oxygen. Along the way, they meet other survivors, including Darius (Common) and Lucas (Sam Worthington), who join their journey. The tension within the group grows as they face external threats from rival factions and the constant fear of suffocation. The film explores the psychological toll of living in such a hostile environment, where hope is fleeting and every decision could mean the difference between life and death.

In the film’s climax, the group reaches what appears to be a sanctuary with a functioning oxygen generator. However, the sanctuary is guarded by those who control the generator and are unwilling to share it. A final confrontation ensues, forcing Maya and her companions to make a choice: fight for their place in this new world or find another way to survive. “Breathe” is a powerful exploration of human nature in the face of extinction, highlighting the lengths to which people will go to protect their lives and the lives of those they care about.

Special Effects
The film utilizes a combination of practical effects and CGI to create a believable post-apocalyptic world. The suffocating atmosphere and the decaying environment are portrayed with striking realism, enhancing the sense of dread and urgency throughout the film.

Filming Locations

• Pennsylvania, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Every breath we take is borrowed time.” – Maya
• “In a world like this, survival isn’t just about living. It’s about not losing yourself.” – Tess

Behind-the-Scenes
“Breathe” was directed by Stefon Bristol, with a screenplay by Doug Simon that made its way onto Hollywood’s Black List in 2019. Filming took place in Pennsylvania during late 2022, with the cast and crew working to bring the story’s dystopian vision to life. The film marks a significant collaboration between its stars, including Jennifer Hudson and Milla Jovovich, who lead a diverse and talented cast.

Final Verdict
“Breathe” is a suspenseful and thought-provoking science fiction thriller that explores the desperate lengths humanity will go to in order to survive. With strong performances from Jennifer Hudson, Milla Jovovich, and Quvenzhané Wallis, and a storyline that delves into the psychological and physical challenges of life in a dying world, “Breathe” is a must-watch for fans of dystopian and survival films.

Image Source: Theatrical release poster