The Deepest Breath – Film Review
by Brian Merriman

Written and Directed by Laura McGann
Starring Stephen Keenan and Alessia Zechinni
Director of Photography Tim Cragg

The Deepest Breath launches globally on Netflix 19th July 2023
Limited Theatrical Release in Ireland from 14th July 2023

Duration: 108 minutes

Have you ever held your breath for 108 minutes? You might think you have while watching this gripping Netflix documentary on a non-mainstream subject of freediving. The Deepest Breath is a revealing insight into this ‘minority sport’ where real heroes pursue life goals at a huge cost.

The opening cinematic sequences capture all the breathtaking art of sea photography. The spectacular visual treat comes from Tim Cragg and his camera team, with edited sequences from home movies and real underwater photography from a variety of sources. It looks so well.

The script by McGann is full of unexpected dramatic tension as she conveys the pressure and athleticism of those who dive to great depths without breathing apparatus. This is a well-regulated sport and the roles of the support safety team reveal the level of expertise and care taken when pushing human boundaries of endurance and determination. It is ‘edge of the seat’ stuff.

The construction of the story leaves you breathless at times, so that you will never predict the final dramatic outcome. McGann is a skilled storyteller. In it, she marries drama with documentary in a style that crosses the mainstream and confirms the space for documentary in mainstream cinema programming.

Visually and under McGann’s direction, we are part of the intense action from the start, the sense of adventure and athleticism is partnered by a real human story of love, support, risk and heroism, told through the eyes of family and friends of the two central characters, Alessia Zechinni, the Italian free diver and her trainer and partner, Stephen Keenan from Ireland.

Their stories are beautifully led and lensed by both of their Fathers in Italy and Ireland. Their narrative is a lovely treatment underscoring the unfolding drama.  Diving friends and camera people contribute their perspectives to add to our knowledge and understanding of diving, competition, friendship and the professionalism that is the heartbeat of this gripping tale of sport, records and bonds.

The Deepest Breath and its subject would be a less likely pick of my viewing tastes usually. This Irish led docudrama reeled me in from the off and educated, thrilled, silenced and entertained me, so much so, that I will always be glad I saw it and encountered the extraordinary people who live their life under the seas.