Ritesh Sharma
Directed by Alex Parkinson, ‘Last Breath’ is a harrowing survival thriller that immerses viewers in the vast, merciless depths of the North Sea. Based on the true story of deep-sea diver Chris Lemons, the film transforms the ocean into both a breathtaking spectacle and an unrelenting adversary. When a routine dive turns disastrous, Lemons—portrayed with gripping authenticity by Finn Cole—finds himself stranded nearly 300 feet below the surface, cut off from his support vessel, and left with only minutes of oxygen.
The hostile underwater world, defined by freezing temperatures, crushing pressure, and absolute darkness, becomes an inescapable prison. As time runs out, his crewmates, played by Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu, battle against the unpredictable sea and logistical nightmares to bring him back. Parkinson masterfully builds suspense, using the ocean’s eerie vastness to heighten the stakes. Stunning cinematography captures both the terrifying isolation and the raw beauty of the deep, making ‘Last Breath’ as visually mesmerizing as it is nerve-wracking.
Last Breath Filming Locations
‘Last Breath’ was filmed primarily in Malta and Scotland, United Kingdom. The shoot proved to be grueling, especially during the extensive underwater sequences. Despite the demanding conditions, the cast and crew navigated the production with remarkable dedication, their camaraderie and professionalism ensuring a seamless execution. Principal photography began in May 2023, facing occasional delays, but after overcoming various hurdles, filming was likely completed by mid-2024.
Malta
Malta played a pivotal role in the production of ‘Last Breath,’ providing state-of-the-art maritime filming facilities at Malta Film Studios (MFS) in Kalkara. Established in 1964, MFS has earned a global reputation for its specialized water-based infrastructure, making it an essential hub for large-scale aquatic productions. The studio features two vast exterior water tanks and an indoor tank strategically positioned along the southeastern coast to create seamless horizon views.
The Shallow Tank, measuring 91 meters by 122 meters with a depth of 1.8 meters (with a central pit reaching 2.1 meters), allowed filmmakers to stage controlled water scenes with precision. Meanwhile, the Deep Tank—originally constructed for Raise the Titanic (1979)—extends 107 meters by 49 meters and plunges to 11 meters, providing an immersive environment for complex underwater sequences. These tanks offered a controlled yet dynamic setting, enabling the filmmakers to choreograph deep-sea diving scenes with meticulous accuracy while ensuring the safety of the cast and crew.
Beyond the studio, Malta’s rugged coastline served as an additional filming ground, allowing the production to blend the structured environment of MFS with the untamed beauty of the open sea. This combination ensured that while certain sequences benefited from the controlled conditions of the tanks, others captured the natural unpredictability of the ocean, heightening the film’s realism. Malta’s crystal-clear waters and the expertise of its local film crews further enhanced the seamless execution of the underwater cinematography. Malta has solidified its reputation as a premier destination for maritime filmmaking, having hosted productions such as ‘Napoleon,’ ‘The Last Voyage of the Demeter,’ and ‘Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher.’ The island’s infrastructure and experienced talent continue to make it an indispensable resource for films requiring complex water-based sequences.
Scotland, United Kingdom
The production team then moved to Scotland, specifically the rugged coastline near Aberdeen, to capture scenes aboard an operational dive support vessel. These sequences were integral to the film’s authenticity, as they recreated the harsh, confined conditions of saturation diving—one of the most extreme environments a human can endure. Filming on an actual vessel offered an irreplaceable sense of realism, allowing actors to immerse themselves in the claustrophobic, high-stakes atmosphere of deep-sea operations.
The unpredictable nature of the North Sea presented additional challenges, forcing the crew to adapt to shifting weather conditions, choppy waters, and the relentless cold. Rather than hindering the production, these real-world difficulties reinforced the film’s tone, mirroring the very dangers that deep-sea divers face. Scotland’s formidable maritime heritage and stark, windswept landscapes further grounded the narrative, ensuring that every frame resonated with the raw, unforgiving essence of the ocean. By seamlessly integrating Malta’s cutting-edge water tanks with Scotland’s unyielding maritime settings, ‘Last Breath’ achieved a striking balance between controlled studio precision and raw environmental authenticity. The careful selection of these locations was instrumental in immersing audiences in the film’s perilous deep-sea world, where human endurance is constantly tested against the unrelenting power of nature.
