The Deepest Breath

Name: The Deepest Breath
Director: Laura McGann
Genre: Documentary, Travel, Drama, Adventure, Sport
Released: 2023
Duration: 1 h 49 min
Cast: Alessia Zecchini, Stephen Keenan, Stephen Keenan, Leigh Baker, Mahmoud Barracuda

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Documentary
Travel

2023
Laura McGann
109 mins
12A

Summary

Bonded by their love of freediving, a record-setting champion and a heroic safety diver try to make history with a remarkable feat, ready to risk it all.

IMDB

Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Laura Rutkowski

This truly immersive documentary explores the competitive and dangerous world of free-diving, where a person dives under water on a single breath of air. Italian Alessia Zecchini, aged 31, has been free-diving since she was 13 and has set national and world records in the extreme sport. We follow her journey alongside Irishman Stephen Keenan, who trained as a free-diver before becoming a safety diver, who intervenes if a diver needs assistance. Laura McGann's documentary uses a narrative device that suggests a tragedy will take place, but it's not immediately clear when it will strike, and to whom. But once the events do unfold, you will be both moved and mortified. It's an immensely tense watch, especially seeing the divers black out near the surface due to a lack of oxygen. Utilising stunning cinematography, the film highlights the psychological demands of the sport, while also acting as a harrowing reminder of the pull - and the power - of the ocean.

imdb-square

7.7/10

How to watch

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Streaming

Netflix

Credits

Cast

rolenameSelf - FreediverAlessia ZecchiniSelf - Deceased FreediverStephen KeenanSafety DiverStephen KeenanSelf - Respiratory TherapistLeigh BakerSelf - Scuba DiverMahmoud BarracudaSelf - Freediver Italian National TeamIlaria BoninSelf - FreediverKristof CoenenSelf - FreediverLily CrespySelf - Freediver Japanese National TeamHanako HiroseSelf - Stephen's FatherPeter KeenanSelf - Freediving JudgeFrancesca Koe Owings

Crew

rolenameDirectorLaura McGannWriterLaura McGannProducerJohn BattsekProducerJamie D'AltonProducerAnne McLoughlinProducerSarah ThomsonComposerNainita DesaiDirector of photographyTim CraggEditorJulian Hart

Details

Released on

2023-07-19

Languages

English | Italian

Formats

Colour