Movie spotlight
Breathing Under Water
What stops two people from being together? A third one. What stops one person from fighting for another? Nothing. Pedro lives in the suburbs, where he works with his father in a garage. Everyday he takes the bus downtown where he goes to school and meets his friends. It's summertime and they all go down to the river where they spend their free time or even their school time. Among joints, motorbike riding and swimming, everything seems to go well with this group of friends, until the moment when Pedro and his best friend find out that both of them like the same girl. Pedro finds himself inside a downward spiral, where everything around him seems to fall apart. Like a magnet attracts the iron, Pedro seems to attract problems, from the school until his relationship with his parents. This is the story of Pedro, who by having his head being pushed down so much learned how to breathe under water.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic event, returns to her estranged family's remote island home. As she attempts to reconnect with her past and confront buried memories, she uncovers dark secrets and navigates complex relationships. The isolation of the island mirrors her internal struggle as she seeks healing and understanding.
Critical Reception
Breathing Under Water received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics commending its atmospheric tension and strong performances, particularly from Ane Dahl Torp and Liv Ullmann. Some found the pacing to be slow, and the narrative at times overly opaque, but the film was generally praised for its emotional depth and exploration of complex themes.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its evocative atmosphere and compelling performances.
Criticized by some for a deliberate, slow pace and ambiguous storytelling.
Explores themes of trauma, memory, and familial estrangement with sensitivity.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and their sentiments is not readily available for this film.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location on the remote island of Flekkerøy in Norway, contributing to its distinct and isolated atmosphere.
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