The Last Breath Review | Bad CGI Sharks Lack Much of a Bite

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The Last Breath Review | Bad CGI Sharks Lack Much of a Bite

As a seasoned gamer and avid film enthusiast, I have seen my fair share of thrillers, both good and bad. The Last Breath, with its ominous shark-infested waters and a venerated actor’s final performance, piqued my interest. However, the film left me feeling underwhelmed and slightly disappointed.

In a routine, predictable thriller titled “The Last Breath“, digital sharks feast on former college friends. This film, marking the final acting appearance of esteemed actor Julian Sands, is essentially a low-budget indie production with stereotypical, undeveloped characters. However, Swedish director Joachim Hedén, known for his expertise in underwater films, manages to elevate the production value and cinematography, despite the limitations of budget.

The movie begins in 1944 as a German U-boat sinks the USS Charlotte in the Caribbean, leaving several sailors stranded amongst the debris. Tragically, they don’t survive for long. In modern times, Captain Levi (Sands) and his right-hand man, Noah (Jack Parr), face scorn from a passing luxury liner as they continue their decades-long quest to find the USS Charlotte. True to form, Noah makes an astonishing discovery on his next dive. Overflowing with anticipation, Captain Levi and Noah can hardly conceal their excitement about potential fame, wealth, but ultimately agree that reporting and examining the ship is a priority.

However, when Noah’s friends arrive at a nearby island to party, Noah can’t contain the big secret while getting hammered on the beach that night. His social media influencer friend begs for them to dive and explore the wreck but is rudely dismissed by Levi. This changes when Brett opens his checkbook and Levi admits he’s used the boat as collateral for loans. Money talks and the group leaves the next morning with big hangovers. The thirst for an exciting adventure becomes screams of terror as the Charlotte’s underwater residents make their presence felt.

A Skilled Director, Hungry Sharks, and Stupid Characters

In “The Last Breath,” my friends and I are confident, experienced divers, but our overconfidence might lead us to danger. I, Noah, take charge of the search for valuable items on the sunken ship. Equipped with essentials such as underwater guidelines, magnetic lights, and radio communication, we lose contact with the boat. Hedén, who has previously filmed “Breaking Surface” and “The Dive” underwater, pays meticulous attention to scuba details. He wants the viewers to understand that our characters are skilled divers, not novices recklessly diving to their demise.

1. The story takes a turn for the worse as the characters opt for foolishness instead of using good judgment and past lessons learned. It’s not exactly like wandering blindly into an unknown forest, but it’s very similar. It’s puzzling why they don’t retreat when everyone is running low on air. This silly predicament has been a common theme in every disastrous expedition. The plot seems to feed off their overconfidence, providing great entertainment for the waiting sharks.

Instead of gradually building suspense with bloodthirsty predators resembling piranhas lurking everywhere, Hedén creates an atmosphere of dread within the labyrinthine and dimly lit corridors aboard the USS Charlotte. Yet, he signals the arrival of danger through booming noises and eerie shadows. This serves as a warning that the ‘feast’ is imminent. Why not catch viewers off guard with sudden attacks for a genuine shock?

Bad CGI and a Wasted Opportunity

1. In a somewhat unrealistic manner, these sharks are digital creations, appearing as simple gray shapes against black backdrops with little detail or depth. This could typically be a significant issue, but Hedén’s skillful cinematography and the graphic violence that follows manage to make up for it. The sharks appear briefly and leave behind human remains floating in a sea of blood, creating a brief sense of tension as we wonder if more sharks might still be present. However, the film doesn’t fully exploit this suspenseful element, never truly revealing the unknown. It’s clear when they strike to attack.

As a fan, I must admit that “The Last Breath” surprised me in several ways. Instead of sticking to the usual clichés, the writers chose to turn the jerks into appealing characters. It’s an intriguing choice, and one that adds depth to the story. However, I can’t help but wonder if it would have been a mistake to introduce unexpected twists for the kind-hearted characters earlier on. After all, in the harsh world of “The Last Breath,” survival doesn’t depend on one’s personality, but rather their ability to adapt and survive. The writers could have taken risks by challenging our expectations, but they chose to keep things predictable with the cast instead. It’s an interesting decision that leaves me pondering what could have been.

1. One peculiarity in the set decoration grabs your attention unwantedly: The submarine, USS Charlotte, has been submerged for eight decades, yet it seems to lack any signs of rust, sediment, marine life, or decay – a detail that strains credulity. An implausible excuse is offered as an explanation, but it fails to convince. The Last Breath isn’t a bad movie, but its inconsistencies make it hard to wholeheartedly endorse.

As a passionate fan, I’m excited to share that “The Last Breath” is brought to us by Anamorphic Media, Filmgate Films, and Freebie Films, among others. Currently, you can catch this gripping production in limited theatrical release or on demand through RLJE Films. For your convenience, here’s a link where you can watch it on digital platforms such as YouTube, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video. Enjoy the experience!

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2024-07-30 02:04