Breathe (2024): A Claustrophobic Glimpse into a Suffocating Future
Breathe (2024) is a dystopian science fiction thriller directed by Stefon Bristol, known for his earlier film See You Yesterday. Set in a bleak, near-future Earth where oxygen levels have dropped so drastically that breathing outdoors is fatal, the film explores themes of survival, family, and trust under extreme pressure. With an intimate setting and a small ensemble cast, the movie presents a tightly wound narrative that reflects the suffocating conditions of its world.
The story centers on Maya, played by Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, who lives in a sealed underground bunker with her teenage daughter, Zora (Quvenzhané Wallis). Maya’s husband, Darius, a scientist and engineer, has been missing for some time but left behind a self-sustaining oxygen system that has kept his family alive. As the outside world deteriorates, their bunker remains one of the few safe spaces left—until two strangers appear at their door.
The intruders, Tess (Milla Jovovich) and Lucas (Sam Worthington), claim to be friends of Darius and say their own oxygen system is failing. They plead for entry, saying they are trying to save Tess’s daughter. Maya, skeptical but compassionate, reluctantly lets them inside. What follows is a tense psychological standoff in a confined space, where trust is scarce, and motivations are uncertain. As secrets unravel, it becomes clear that survival may come at a devastating cost.
The film thrives on tension and claustrophobia. Much of the action unfolds within the dark, metallic interior of the bunker, emphasizing the characters’ emotional and physical confinement. The cinematography reinforces this with dim lighting and tight framing, heightening the sense of unease. Flashbacks and subtle visual cues hint at the broader collapse of the outside world, though the film chooses to focus more on interpersonal drama than global exposition.
Performances are central to the film’s impact. Jennifer Hudson delivers a grounded and emotional portrayal of a mother trying to protect her child while grappling with the fear of betrayal. Quvenzhané Wallis impresses with a mature and compelling performance as Zora, bringing depth and realism to a teenager raised in isolation. Milla Jovovich brings her usual intensity to Tess, while Sam Worthington portrays Lucas with a volatile edge, adding to the uncertainty and dread.
While the film’s premise is rich with potential, some viewers may find the execution uneven. The script offers moments of genuine suspense but occasionally leans into familiar post-apocalyptic tropes. The world-building is intriguing but thin; questions about how the Earth became uninhabitable or the broader social implications of the oxygen crisis are left largely unexplored. However, this may be intentional, as the story chooses to focus narrowly on the human element rather than the sci-fi mechanics.
In conclusion, Breathe (2024) is a thought-provoking survival thriller that uses its limited setting and cast to explore complex emotional and ethical territory. Though it doesn't fully capitalize on its high-concept premise, it succeeds in creating a tense, atmospheric experience anchored by strong performances. It is a cautionary tale of what happens when the air runs out—and trust is the only thing left.
