Next weekend, South African audiences will be taken on an astounding cinematic journey with Last Breath, a gripping survival thriller that delves into the terrifying reality of deep-sea diving gone wrong. Based on true events, the film tells the harrowing story of a commercial saturation diver trapped on the ocean floor with minutes of oxygen remaining and little hope of rescue.
Starring Simu Liu (Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings), Finn Cole (Peaky Blinders) and Woody Harrelson (True Detective), Last Breath is a high-stakes thriller that explores human endurance, resilience and the fight to survive in the face of impossible odds.
The Story Beneath the Surface
Last Breath is based on the real-life events involving Chris Lemons, a deep-sea diver who found himself stranded 100m (330ft) below the surface with just minutes of oxygen left. As his diving team frantically worked to save him, Lemons was left with no choice but to face his mortality and rely on the slim chance that a miracle might occur.
For Cole, who portrays Lemons in the film, stepping into this role was both a privilege and a daunting challenge.
“Chris was able to give real insight into not the job but what was going through his mind during those critical minutes,” Cole said in a recent interview. “He had about eight minutes of backup oxygen, and he walked me through, moment by moment, what he remembers thinking and feeling. That was invaluable as an actor.”
Fear, Acceptance and the Unknown
While Last Breath explores the terror of being stranded in the deep, it also conveys a surprising sense of calm. Liu reflected on how the experience of making the film reshaped his understanding of fear.
“A lot of human fear comes from what we don’t know,” Liu said. “The film actually demystified that fear for me. Yes, we learnt about all the things that could go wrong underwater — the claustrophobia, the isolation — but once you’re actually down there, it’s almost peaceful. It’s an acceptance that, at some point, things are out of your hands.”
Cole echoed this sentiment, adding: “You don’t walk away from this film with more fear — you actually come out of it with optimism. Against all the odds, they figured it out. That perseverance, that will to survive, it’s incredibly inspiring.”
The Challenge of Acting Underwater
A large part of Last Breath was filmed in water tanks to replicate the crushing depths of the North Sea. The cast had to undergo extensive dive training to ensure realism in their performances. Woody Harrelson — known for his versatility in both drama and action — praised his co-stars for their ability to convey emotion despite the physical constraints of the environment.
“It’s incredible what they were able to do with just their eyes,” Harrelson remarked. “Most of their faces were hidden behind diving masks, but you still feel every moment of their fear, determination and hope. That’s the mark of great acting.”
Bringing a True Story to Life
Unlike many survival thrillers, the central figure in Last Breath — Chris Lemons — is alive today. This added an extra layer of responsibility for the actors.
“It was a luxury and a challenge at the same time,” Cole admitted. “Chris was very open in sharing his experience, but we also had to balance dramatic storytelling with respect for the real events.
“In some cases, we took artistic license to heighten the tension, but Chris was instrumental in helping us ensure the film was authentic to the experience of being a diver.”
A Must-See on the Big Screen
With breathtaking cinematography, heart-pounding tension and powerhouse performances, Last Breath is a cinematic experience that demands to be seen on the big screen. Whether you’re drawn to survival stories, edge-of-your-seat thrillers or tales of extraordinary human endurance, this film will leave you gasping for air.
Last Breath opens in cinemas across South Africa on March 21.
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