THE DEEPEST BREATH (12A, 109mins), Documentary.
Starring: Alessia Zecchini, Stephen Keenan
Director: Laura McGann
THE Deepest Breath delves headfirst into the captivating world of freediving in its very first scene with an audacious choice: an unbroken focus on Alessia Zecchini, Italian champion freediver, as she embarks on a daring dive.
This stylistic decision by Dublin director Laura McGann immerses us in Zecchini's harrowing experience, inducing breathlessness in the viewer to mirror the diver's own.
The new Netflix-backed film weaves a poignant narrative around the pursuit of companionship in a seemingly solitary sport, where divers risk their lives and seal their fates.
Zecchini, renowned as one of the world's deepest divers, takes centre stage in this documentary. From her childhood fascination with the ocean to her record-breaking attempts, we witness her extraordinary journey.
We also meet Irishman Stephen Keenan, a safety diver and freediving trainer who shares a personal connection with the Italian. Their intertwined stories culminate in a climactic world-record attempt at the 2017 Vertical Blue free-diving competition.
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The documentary excels in stunning underwater cinematography, seamlessly blending authentic footage with well-executed reconstructions. The camera captures the vastness of the underwater world, utilising diverse angles and lighting to enhance the visual experience.
Interviews with friends, colleagues and Zecchini's father provide valuable context, although the limited contributions from the freediver herself are a drawback.
Nonetheless, Keenan's story, recounted through others, adds an anecdotal touch, magnifying his heroic arc.
The storytelling approach occasionally withholds actual events to heighten anticipation, resulting in moments of over-dramatization. While this technique adds an element of tension, it can sometimes feel manipulative.
The sound design submerges us in the underwater environment, utilising ambient sounds, breathing, and heartbeats to amplify the experience.
Nainita Desai's score complements the visuals, but the true magic unfolds when the music recedes, leaving only heartbeats and the ocean. These poignant moments, devoid of music, truly convey the emotions captured on screen: knowing when to forgo music is just as important as knowing when to employ it.
Ultimately, the most captivating aspect of The Deepest Breath lies in its mesmerising visuals and the adrenaline rush it elicits. While the limited perspective offered by Zecchini herself may leave viewers yearning for a deeper understanding of her mindset and personal journey, the underwater cinematography and the vastness of the ocean are truly awe-inspiring.
The documentary instils a newfound appreciation for the dedication and skill of free divers and, although the film-makers could have perhaps delved deeper into their motivations, The Deepest Breath still offers a breathtaking and immersive journey into the depths of the ocean.
RATING: 3/5
:: The Deepest Breath will receive a limited cinema release in Ireland on July 14 prior to becoming available on Netflix on July 19.
