Last Breath (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“Last Breath” (2025) is a gripping survival thriller directed by Alex Parkinson, known for his expertise in crafting tense, documentary-style narratives. The film is a dramatized adaptation of the 2019 documentary of the same name, depicting the real-life ordeal of deep-sea diver Chris Lemons, who was stranded on the ocean floor with limited oxygen. Featuring a strong cast including Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, and Finn Cole, the movie attempts to bring cinematic tension to an already harrowing true story. But does it succeed in delivering a compelling experience, or does it fall short of expectations? Let’s dive deep into this film review.
Plot Overview
Set in the treacherous depths of the North Sea, “Last Breath” follows a group of experienced saturation divers tasked with repairing an underwater pipeline. When Chris Lemons (Finn Cole) becomes separated from his diving bell due to a catastrophic equipment failure, he is left stranded with only minutes of oxygen remaining. With his team racing against time to rescue him, the film explores themes of survival, camaraderie, and the raw power of the ocean. Woody Harrelson plays Duncan Allcock, a seasoned diver nearing retirement, while Simu Liu portrays Dave Yuasa, a pragmatic but determined team member.
A Tense Survival Thriller – But Is It Enough?
“Last Breath” aims to capture the heart-stopping urgency of its real-life counterpart but struggles with maintaining suspense, especially for viewers already familiar with the outcome. One of the film’s challenges is that, unlike fictional thrillers where the fate of characters remains uncertain, audiences know that Chris Lemons survives—diminishing the tension.
While the film does its best to dramatize his peril, some viewers might feel that the storytelling lacks the emotional depth needed to sustain engagement. The attempts to inject personal backstories—such as Chris’s relationship with his fiancée Morag—feel somewhat formulaic. The flashbacks, intended to add emotional weight, often slow down the pacing instead of enriching the narrative.
On the other hand, the performances elevate the material. Woody Harrelson brings his signature charm and rugged charisma, making Duncan a standout character. His chemistry with Simu Liu, who plays the no-nonsense Dave, adds authenticity to the team dynamics. Finn Cole delivers a physically demanding performance, convincingly portraying Chris’s growing desperation as his oxygen runs out.
Cinematography and Direction
Visually, “Last Breath” is stunning. The underwater cinematography immerses the audience in the eerie, claustrophobic world of deep-sea diving. Director Alex Parkinson effectively captures the isolation and vastness of the ocean, using dimly lit, murky waters to amplify the sense of dread. The sound design plays a crucial role as well, with muffled breathing and sonar pings heightening the tension.
However, while the film excels in realism, it occasionally lacks the high-stakes intensity that made other survival thrillers like “Gravity” (2013) or “The Martian” (2015) so compelling. Some moments of the rescue operation, particularly the coordination efforts on the surface, feel procedural rather than pulse-pounding.
Comparison to the 2019 Documentary
One of the biggest questions surrounding “Last Breath” is whether it offers anything new compared to the original 2019 documentary. The documentary delivered a raw, real-life account of Chris Lemons’ survival, utilizing actual footage and firsthand interviews to create an emotionally charged experience.
The dramatized version expands on certain elements, giving characters more dimension and attempting to deepen the emotional stakes. However, some viewers may feel that the film adds unnecessary embellishments while losing the documentary’s authenticity. If you’re someone who prefers real-life narratives, watching the documentary might be a better choice.
Where to Watch “Last Breath” Online
As of now, “Last Breath” (2025) is only available in theaters. Since the film has just been released, it is not yet available for streaming, rental, or purchase. However, based on industry trends, here’s where you can expect it to land in the coming months:
Streaming Services (Expected Availability in the U.S.)
- Netflix or Prime Video – Given their history of acquiring true-story thrillers, these platforms are strong contenders.
- HBO Max / Warner Bros. Discovery – If Warner Bros. has distribution rights, the film may appear on Max after its theatrical run.
- Hulu / Disney+ (via 20th Century Studios) – If Disney has any stake in distribution, Hulu could be an option.
Rental & Purchase Options (Expected Availability)
Once the film leaves theaters, it will likely be available for rent or purchase on:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Vudu
For real-time updates on streaming availability, check JustWatch.
Final Verdict – Should You Watch It?
“Last Breath” is an engaging survival thriller that succeeds in its technical execution but falls slightly short in delivering a truly gripping narrative. While the performances, cinematography, and realism are commendable, the lack of suspense—due to the well-known outcome—diminishes its overall impact.
✅ Recommended for:
- Fans of real-life survival stories
- Viewers who enjoy visually immersive, atmospheric thrillers
- Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu fans
❌ Skip if:
- You prefer high-stakes unpredictability in thrillers
- You’ve already seen the 2019 documentary and want something significantly different
- Slow-paced dramas aren’t your thing
If you love survival thrillers, “Last Breath” is worth experiencing on the big screen for its breathtaking cinematography and strong performances. However, if you prefer a more intense, unpredictable thriller, you may want to wait for its streaming release or check out the original documentary instead.
For the latest updates on streaming availability, visit JustWatch. Let us know your thoughts—did this film keep you on the edge of your seat, or did it leave you gasping for more? Drop your comments below!
