Breathe In Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A frustrated music teacher decides to spice up his boring life by almost running away with an exchange student, but then everyone gets sad and nothing really happens.

🍿 Breathe In: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Reynolds Family

Keith Reynolds, a music teacher, lives in a small town in upstate New York with his wife Megan and their daughter Lauren. Keith, a former musician, feels unfulfilled by his job and longs to pursue his passion for music. Lauren is a talented swimmer preparing for college, while Megan runs a pottery business.

The Arrival of Sophie

Sophie, a foreign exchange student from the UK, arrives to stay with the Reynolds family. She is a talented pianist, and her presence begins to stir up dormant feelings and desires within Keith. Sophie’s arrival disrupts the family’s seemingly stable dynamic, adding tension to Keith’s already present dissatisfaction.

Growing Attraction

Keith and Sophie begin to bond over their shared love of music. Keith is impressed by Sophie’s talent and her understanding of his artistic aspirations. As they spend more time together, an undeniable attraction develops between them, causing both internal conflict and external complications within the family.

Complications and Consequences

Lauren, dealing with her own personal issues and heartbreak, becomes suspicious of the growing closeness between her father and Sophie. The tension in the household escalates, leading to confrontations and emotional turmoil. Keith must grapple with his feelings for Sophie and the potential consequences of acting on them, while Megan remains largely unaware of the depth of the situation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sophie (Felicity Jones): A foreign exchange student whose arrival disrupts the host family’s dynamics and creates unexpected connections.
• Keith Reynolds (Guy Pearce): A frustrated music teacher and former guitarist who finds himself drawn to the foreign exchange student, Sophie.
• Megan Reynolds (Amy Ryan): The wife and mother who is seemingly content but whose marriage is tested by the arrival of Sophie.
• Lauren Reynolds (Mackenzie Davis): The Reynolds’ daughter who struggles with her own relationships and is affected by the changes within her family.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sophie: “You just have to make sure that you’re choosing it. I just don’t wanna be living a life where I’m not choosing stuff.” – Sophie expresses her desire for agency and freedom, highlighting a key theme of the film about making conscious choices in life.
• Keith: “At least I’m teaching the subject I know and I’m not teaching math or something.” – Keith makes a sarcastic comment revealing his dissatisfaction with his teaching job and longing for something more fulfilling.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $800,000
• Domestic Gross: $89,661
• Worldwide Gross: $500,207

💥 Breathe In Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching “Breathe In” and being completely drawn into the characters’ quiet desperation. The way the film captured the unspoken tension was incredible. The scenes with the piano felt so intimate and real. I felt like I was peering into a very personal and fragile situation. The ending left me with a lingering feeling of sadness and what-ifs, making it a movie that’s stuck with me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about family dynamics and infidelity”
  • “Those who appreciate films with strong performances and a focus on character development”
  • “People who enjoy movies with classical music themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Infidelity”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Teen drinking”
  • “Car accident”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “Guy Pearce delivers a vulnerable performance as Keith, capturing the regret of a midlife crisis. Felicity Jones impresses with Sophie’s blend of adolescent conceit and deep loneliness. Doremus expertly executes subtle tremors in relationship dynamics.
• Variety Film + TV: “”Breathe In” is a quietly powerful film about two people who are eloquently and achingly swept up in a deep ‘connection’ that defies description. To label this honest and beautiful film a ‘family drama’ does it an injustice.
• Slant Magazine: “David Lee Dallas of Slant Magazine perhaps puts it best in his review: “Breathe In masquerades as a sensitive character study, seemingly high-brow because it’s so low-key, but underneath that veneer is an inert, thinly plotted melodrama premised on trite characterizations that would be offensive if they weren’t so absurd.”

Audience Reactions

The subtle acting and emotional depth resonated deeply with viewers.: Viewers praised the film’s ability to capture complex emotions with minimal dialogue and subtle performances.

Some viewers found it difficult to connect with the characters’ choices.: The characters’ actions, especially the father’s, were a sticking point for some viewers who struggled with the moral implications.

Overall Consensus: A beautifully shot and acted film that delves into complex emotions, but may be too slow-paced and morally ambiguous for some viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Drake Doremus is known for encouraging improvisation from his actors, often working from a detailed outline rather than a complete script. This approach was used extensively in ‘Breathe In,’ allowing for a natural and spontaneous feel to the dialogue and interactions.”
• “Felicity Jones, who plays the role of a high school student, was actually much older than the character she portrayed, being 27-28 years old during filming.”

🖥️ How to Watch Breathe In?

Breathe In is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Purchase options may include digital downloads or physical DVDs/Blu-rays from retailers like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Breathe In, you might like these similar films:

• Like Crazy (2011): Also directed by Drake Doremus and starring Felicity Jones, it explores the complexities and challenges of love and relationships with a similar improvisational style.
• Little Children (2006): Explores themes of suburban discontent, forbidden desires, and the consequences of choices, creating a similar atmosphere of tension and moral ambiguity.
• Lost in Translation (2003): Features a connection between two individuals from different generations who find solace and understanding in each other amidst feelings of isolation and dissatisfaction.

🛒 Breathe In Related Products

• Breathe In [Blu-ray]: Experience the film’s visual beauty in high definition. A great addition for collectors of independent cinema.
• The Piano: The Complete Series [DVD]: A series which features performances from world-class pianists in non-traditional settings. Great watch for Breathe In fans.
• Cello Lessons: Fundamentals of Cello Playing: Beginner cello lessons for those inspired by Guy Pearce’s character. Available as a digital download.
• Felicity Jones Signed Photo: A rare, autographed photo of Felicity Jones. Perfect for dedicated fans and collectors.

🎧 Soundtrack

Breathe In features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Ballade No. 2 in F, Op 38” – performed by Frédéric Chopin, Performed by Aleksandra Sasha Kozlov-Silber

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

DON’T BREATHE (2016) Review SPOILERS

Looking for a spoiler-filled review of Don’t Breathe? This video breaks down all the intense moments and plot twists. I personally think it’s a must-watch before diving into the movie!

DONT BREATHE (Blind Terror in Detroit + Ending) EXPLAINED

Ever wondered what *really* happened in Don’t Breathe? This video expertly breaks down the entire plot and gives you all the answers! Honestly, I was shocked when I learned the hidden meanings behind some scenes.

✨ Rate