Breathe Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy gets polio, his wife is super supportive, and they throw a bunch of parties to prove that being paralyzed doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time… until he decides he’s had enough.

🍿 Breathe: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Meeting Diana and Moving to Kenya

Robin Cavendish, a charming young man, meets and falls in love with Diana Blacker at a cricket match. Their whirlwind romance leads to marriage, and they relocate to Kenya where Robin works as a tea broker. Their life together seems idyllic, filled with promise and adventure.

Tragedy Strikes: Robin Contracts Polio

Shortly after moving to Kenya and discovering Diana is pregnant, Robin contracts polio at the age of 28. The disease leaves him paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on a respirator to breathe. Doctors give him only a few months to live, confining him to a hospital bed.

Diana’s Determination and Escape from the Hospital

Initially despondent and wishing to die, Robin is sustained by Diana’s unwavering love and determination. She refuses to accept his fate and insists on bringing him home to live a full life. Despite medical advice and logistical challenges, Diana arranges for Robin to be moved home, where they raise their son, Jonathan.

Innovating for Independence

Robin and Diana, along with their inventive friend Teddy Hall, design a wheelchair with a built-in respirator, granting Robin unprecedented mobility and freedom. This innovation allows him to travel, attend social events, and advocate for other disabled individuals, challenging societal perceptions and improving their quality of life.

Advocacy and a Life of Purpose

Robin becomes a vocal advocate for the rights and inclusion of disabled people. He and Diana travel extensively, sharing their story and inspiring others to embrace life despite physical limitations. They challenge conventional wisdom and demonstrate that individuals with severe disabilities can live meaningful and fulfilling lives.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Robin Cavendish (Andrew Garfield): A charismatic young man who contracts polio and fights for a fulfilling life despite his paralysis.
• Diana Cavendish (Claire Foy): Robin’s devoted wife who supports him relentlessly and advocates for his independence and quality of life.
• Teddy Hall (Hugh Bonneville): An inventor and friend of Robin who designs a groundbreaking wheelchair with a ventilator, enabling Robin’s mobility.
• Bloggs Blacker (Tom Hollander): One of Diana’s supportive twin brothers who provides emotional support and practical assistance to the Cavendish family.
• Dr Don McQueen (Ben Lloyd-Hughes): A dedicated doctor who assists in Robin’s care and supports the family’s desire for a life outside the hospital.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Robin Cavendish: “When I first became paralysed, I wanted to die. Yeah, I wanted to die, I did. But my wife wouldn’t let me.” – Robin explains how Diana’s unwavering support gave him the will to live after his paralysis.
• Robin Cavendish: “I don’t want to just survive. I want to truly live.” – Robin expresses his desire to experience life fully despite his physical limitations, becoming his life’s mission.
• Robin Cavendish: “Let me ask you, when you look at me, what is it that you see? Do you see a creature that’s barely alive? Or do you see a man that’s escaped the confines of the hospital wards?” – Robin challenges perceptions of disabled people, advocating for their right to live a fulfilling life outside of institutions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $490,131
• Worldwide Gross: $5,130,787

💥 Breathe Reviews

Personal Review

“Breathe” got to me, I have to admit. Seeing Robin’s journey, from being this adventurous, free spirit to being completely dependent, was tough. But Diana’s unwavering support? That’s the kind of love everyone dreams about. The scene where they take him home against the doctor’s advice, and he gets to meet his son properly… that was a tearjerker. It’s an uplifting story about living life to the fullest, even when life throws the worst at you. It made me appreciate the little things in life.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of biographical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories of overcoming adversity”
  • “Those who appreciate stories about love and devotion”
  • “Individuals interested in medical history and disability advocacy”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of paralysis and related medical procedures”
  • “Themes of illness and mortality”
  • “Brief discussions of euthanasia”

Professional Reviews

• RogerEbert.com: ““Breathe” is a moving and inspirational story, anchored by strong performances from Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy. While it occasionally veers into sentimentality, it ultimately succeeds in capturing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
• The Guardian: “Andy Serkis makes a competent directorial debut with this biopic. Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy are engaging and the film is visually appealing. It’s a heartfelt story, though occasionally leaning towards melodrama.
• Variety: ““Breathe” is a beautifully shot and well-acted film but feels somewhat safe and predictable. Andrew Garfield gives a strong performance, but the film lacks the emotional depth to truly resonate.

Audience Reactions

Andrew Garfield’s performance is incredible, portraying a range of emotions with just his face.: The film inspires viewers to appreciate life and overcome challenges, with many praising the actors’ heartfelt performances.

Claire Foy’s portrayal of Diana is a strong and loving wife.: The movie is very inspiring and shows how love can help anyone.

Overall Consensus: “Breathe” is generally regarded as an inspiring and heartwarming biopic, praised for its strong performances and touching story, although some critics find it somewhat predictable and lacking depth.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is produced by Jonathan Cavendish, Robin and Diana’s son, making it a very personal project.”
• “Andy Serkis, known for his motion-capture performances, makes his directorial debut with this film.”
• “Andrew Garfield stayed in character between takes, and Claire Foy would even scratch his itches to maintain the realism.”

🖥️ How to Watch Breathe?

Breathe is currently available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services or for digital purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• The Theory of Everything (2014): Both films portray the life of a brilliant person who faces a debilitating illness and how they, along with their partner, cope with it.
• The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007): Similar story of a man paralyzed and unable to speak after a stroke, who finds a way to communicate and live a meaningful life.
• Lorenzo’s Oil (1992): Parents fighting against medical orthodoxy to find a cure for their son’s rare and devastating illness.
• Still Alice (2014): Deals with a person coming to terms with a degenerative disease and the impact on their life and relationships.

🛒 Breathe Related Products

• Breathe (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Experience the emotional journey of ‘Breathe’ with its original soundtrack. A digital download purchase for a sound experience that complements the movie’s themes of love, resilience, and overcoming adversity.
• Andrew Garfield Signed Photo – Breathe – Autographed: Own a piece of movie history with an autographed photo of Andrew Garfield as Robin Cavendish in ‘Breathe.’ A limited edition collectible, authenticated for its originality, perfect for fans and collectors alike.
• Breathe Movie Poster: Decorate your walls with the original ‘Breathe’ movie poster. High-quality print, available in various sizes, capturing the essence of the film’s inspirational love story.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “True Love” – performed by Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

DON’T BREATHE (2016) Review SPOILERS

Alright, you’ve seen ‘Don’t Breathe’ and now you’re itching to dissect every twist and turn, right? This review spills all the secrets and dives deep into the plot, so get ready for some serious after-movie analysis!

Don’t Breathe – Movie Review

Wondering if ‘Don’t Breathe’ is worth the hype? Chris Stuckmann breaks down everything that works (and maybe doesn’t) in this intense thriller, giving you the lowdown you need before your next movie night!

DONT BREATHE (Blind Terror in Detroit + Ending) EXPLAINED

Still scratching your head about that ending? This video unpacks the whole story of ‘Don’t Breathe’, so you can finally understand every shocking moment and plot twist – trust me, it’s a game-changer!

✨ Rate