Heartland Reviews: Breathe
October 20, 2017 • Caitlin Flowers

“I don’t want to just survive — I want to really live.”

In Andy Serkis’s Breathe, 28-year-old Robin Cavendish contracts polio and is bedridden with months to live. With strength from his wife, Robin fights to not just stay alive, but to truly live and improve his quality of life through pushing the boundaries of his health condition. Cavendish uses his personal successes with his disability to improve the lives of people around the globe.

Breathe is a shocking look at the effects of polio, in a time not too far in the past—the 1960s. Through extreme close-ups and amazing acting, the agony of Robin cries out to the audience. An excellent, heartbreaking performance by Andrew Garfield as Robin Cavendish is the backbone of this film. Claire Foy succeeds as Robin’s wife, Diana, who pulls him from depression and the brink of death with her love, compassion, and drive to provide for her husband. Although the subject matter focuses on serious issues like depression and terminal illness, it is handled with a lightness and humor that brings a beautiful balance to the film.

Andy Serkis, most known for playing Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, has his directorial debut with this delightful, triumphant journey. Breathe manages to be romantic and funny amidst a personal tragedy. For a touching, loving look at the strength of the human heart, see Breathe in theatres now.

To watch the trailer for Breathe and find it at a theatre near you click here.

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