'Breathe' Review: Sci-fi thriller falls flat with flawed execution despite Jennifer Hudson's stellar acting
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK: Humanity clings to survival in a future suffocating under dwindling oxygen. 'Breathe', the new sci-fi action thriller, takes you to a ravaged Earth where venturing outside means wearing specialized gear just to take a single breath.
Directed by Stefon Bristol, 'Breathe' boasts a star-studded cast including Jennifer Hudson, Milla Jovovich, Quvenzhané Wallis, and Sam Worthington.
Strap in for a fight for survival as the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. Will they find a solution or choke on a dying world? Let's find out the answers and know if the screen time of 1h 33m is worth watching in the theaters on April 26, 2024.
'Breathe': Gripping concept but flawed execution
'Breathe' is a science fiction thriller set in a not-so-distant future where Earth’s atmosphere is no longer breathable. The story follows a family of three living in an underground bunker, forced to make dangerous trips to the surface with the help of special suits.
The film boasts a well-known cast including Common, Jennifer Hudson, Milla Jovovich, and Sam Worthington. However, in the middle of the watch, it felt that even these seasoned actors seemed to be phoning it in.
While the premise has potential, the execution falls short. 'Breathe' offers little explanation for the world’s bad atmosphere, leaving viewers with unanswered questions. The dialogue is riddled with clichés and the plot relies heavily on unlikely coincidences and illogical character actions.
The special effects seem all right, however, with a heavy reliance on an orange filter to convey the desolate atmosphere it felt a bit messy. The action sequences, while present, are uninspired and fail to generate much excitement.
Despite its shortcomings, 'Breathe' does have a few redeeming qualities. The domestic scenes between the mother and daughter provide a brief respite from the chaos, and the themes of survival and family offer some food for thought.
Overall, 'Breathe' is a mixed bag. While the concept is intriguing, the kinda bad script and uninspired execution make it a mediocre experience. However, if you’re curious about a post-apocalyptic story with a familiar cast, 'Breathe' might be worth a watch, but keep your expectations low.
Jennifer Hudson shines as a mother icon in 'Breathe'
While 'Breathe' may not be a cinematic masterpiece, Jennifer Hudson's performance as Maya is a saving grace. Thrust into a desolate world where survival is a daily struggle, Hudson portrays a mother fiercely dedicated to protecting her daughter, Zora.
The film's plot may falter at times, but Hudson's emotional range shines through. We see the raw fear in her eyes as she ventures out into the toxic atmosphere, the unwavering determination to keep her daughter safe, and the fierce protectiveness when their bunker is invaded.
Her maternal bond with Zora is particularly believable. Their tender moments offer a welcome respite from the film's tense atmosphere, highlighting the power of love amidst a crumbling world.
Hudson's portrayal of Maya stands out, her performance is a testament to her acting prowess, reminding us why she's an EGOT winner. If you're looking for a reason to see 'Breathe', then considering Jennifer Hudson's powerful performance as a mother fighting for survival can be a reason.
'Breathe' is available in theaters on April 26 in the USA