The Deepest Breath Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman keeps holding her breath really long, and then someone has a bad day at the office…underwater.

🍿 The Deepest Breath: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Freediving and Alessia

The documentary introduces the world of competitive freediving, where athletes attempt to reach incredible depths on a single breath. It focuses on Alessia Zecchini, a young Italian freediver with a relentless drive to break world records. From a young age, Alessia displays extraordinary talent and determination, dedicating her life to the extreme sport.

Stephen’s Journey to Safety Diving

Parallel to Alessia’s story, the film follows Stephen Keenan, an Irish adventurer who discovers his passion for freediving in Dahab, Egypt. Stephen becomes a highly respected safety diver, known for his calm demeanor and expertise in rescuing freedivers who blackout during their ascent. He develops a deep connection with the freediving community and dedicates himself to ensuring the safety of others.

Meeting and Training Together

Alessia and Stephen’s paths cross on the freediving circuit, and they quickly form a strong bond. Stephen becomes Alessia’s safety diver and coach, recognizing her immense potential but also her tendency to push beyond her limits. They begin training together for a challenging dive through the Blue Hole in Dahab, a notorious underwater sinkhole known for its dangerous conditions.

The Blue Hole Attempt and Tragedy

The climax of the film centers on Alessia’s attempt to dive through the Blue Hole. The dive involves navigating a difficult underwater tunnel, requiring precise navigation and exceptional breath-holding skills. During the dive, Alessia loses her way, and Stephen risks his own life to rescue her. Stephen successfully brings her back but unfortunately loses his life during the process.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alessia Zecchini (Alessia Zecchini): An Italian champion freediver determined to set a new world record, pushing her limits in the dangerous extreme sport.
• Stephen Keenan (Stephen Keenan): A free-spirited Irish adventurer and expert safety diver who forms a special bond with Alessia, ultimately making a fatal sacrifice.
• Peter Keenan (Peter Keenan): Stephen’s father, who provides poignant reflections on his son’s life and the nature of loss.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Alessia Zecchini: “It’s like flying, but inside.” – Describing the feeling of freediving and the unique sensation of being underwater.
• Alessia Zecchini: “The last quiet place on Earth.” – Referring to the depths of the ocean and the serenity experienced during freediving.
• Peter Keenan (Stephen’s Father): “Part of grief is selfish, and I miss him, I miss him in my life. But I am consoled by how he lived his life.” – Reflecting on the tragic loss of his son, Stephen, and finding solace in the way he passionately pursued his dreams.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Deepest Breath Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this movie hit me hard. The cinematography is breathtaking, especially the underwater shots. I felt like I was right there with Alessia and Stephen, experiencing the thrill and the danger. Stephen’s selflessness towards Alessia was the most heartbreaking, beautiful, scariest scene I have ever seen in any documentary, this movie will stay with me for a while… I found myself holding my breath during the dives, completely engrossed in their world. The ending left me speechless and profoundly moved. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Documentary enthusiasts”
  • “Extreme sports fans”
  • “Viewers interested in stories of human resilience”
  • “Those fascinated by underwater environments”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of dangerous activities”
  • “Discussion of death and grief”
  • “Intense and suspenseful scenes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A deep and often tender look at a unique obsession. McGann’s direction creates an immersive experience, capturing the beauty and danger of freediving. The film balances stunning visuals with a moving human story.
• IMDB User: “Amazing thought provoking documentary about perseverance and passion. The documentary really helps to paint the picture of both of the main divers in this film. You are given some background as to what brought them to free dive and the burning desire that was built up from their childhoods.
• IMDB User: “Heartbreaking and beautiful. Try holding your breath for three minutes. Then do it under physical and mental stress, and underwater. Now imagine doing this while descending so far down into the deep that even the sun’s rays abandon you to the darkness of your dive.

Audience Reactions

The underwater cinematography is stunning and captures the beauty and danger of freediving.: Viewers praised the breathtaking visuals and immersive storytelling that made them feel like they were experiencing the dives firsthand.

The film highlights the deep personal connections among the competitors, judges, trainers, and safety divers.: Many viewers expressed appreciation for the documentary’s focus on the human element and emotional depth of the characters.

Overall Consensus: An emotionally charged and visually stunning documentary that explores the thrilling rewards and inescapable risks of competitive freediving.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Laura McGann lived across the street from Stephen Keenan’s father and discovered this connection after starting the documentary project.”
• “The documentary features extensive archival footage, including home videos and competition recordings, providing intimate glimpses into the lives of Alessia and Stephen.”
• “The film captures the inherent risks involved in freediving, shedding light on the sacrifices made in the pursuit of greatness and the dedication of safety divers.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Deepest Breath?

The Deepest Breath is currently available to stream exclusively on Netflix. Since it’s a Netflix original documentary, there are no other streaming platforms or purchase options available at this time. Check your local Netflix library as availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Deepest Breath, you might like these similar films:

• Free Solo (2018): Both documentaries explore the mindset and dedication of extreme athletes pushing the limits of human capability in dangerous environments.
• The Rescue (2021): Both documentaries focus on high-stakes rescue operations and the courage of individuals facing life-threatening situations.
• 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021): Both films highlight the incredible drive and determination of athletes attempting extraordinary feats, showcasing the mental and physical challenges they overcome.
• The Big Blue (1988): A cult classic about competitive freediving that explores the deep connection between humans and the ocean, with similar themes of passion and risk.

🛒 The Deepest Breath Related Products

• Garmin Descent Mk2i – Dive Computer: A smartwatch-style dive computer with advanced features like SubWave sonar technology for tank pressure monitoring and diver communication.
• Freediving: The Ultimate Guide: A comprehensive guide to freediving techniques, safety, and training, including tips from world-class freedivers.
• Oceanic F10 Free Diving Watch: Features include surface interval, depth, dive time plus more, this watch is a great accompaniment when freediving
• Blue Hole Dahab – Canvas Wall Art: A high-quality canvas print of the Blue Hole in Dahab, Egypt, capturing its breathtaking beauty and mystique.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Girl Don’t Want Him” – performed by Toddla T
• “Deep Sea Diver” – performed by Bonobo

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Science of Freediving | The Deepest Breath | Netflix

Ever wondered how freedivers hold their breath for SO long? This video breaks down the science of freediving in a super easy-to-understand way. Seriously impressive stuff!

World Record Freedive Attempt | The Deepest Breath | Netflix

Witness the tension as Alessia Zecchini attempts a world-record freedive! This is a high-stakes look, directly from the movie, at the incredible focus and courage it takes to push the limits of human capability.

✨ Rate