In the Same Breath
In the Same Breath

Movie spotlight

In the Same Breath

2021
Movie
98 min
English

This documentary recounts the experiences of people on the ground in the earliest days of the novel coronavirus and the way two countries dealt with its initial spread, from the first days of the outbreak in Wuhan to its rampage across the United States.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic84/100
Google Users92%
Director: Nanfu WangGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

Nanfu Wang's documentary In the Same Breath offers a stark, dual perspective on the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, contrasting the experiences of China and the United States. The film meticulously pieces together the unfolding crisis, highlighting how misinformation, political agendas, and a lack of transparency led to devastating consequences in both nations. It examines the human toll and the systemic failures that allowed the virus to spread with such ferocity.

Critical Reception

In the Same Breath received widespread critical acclaim for its unflinching examination of the pandemic's origins and its devastating global impact. Critics lauded Nanfu Wang's directorial skill in weaving together disparate narratives and her commitment to exposing the truth behind the initial outbreak. The film was praised for its bravery in tackling such a recent and sensitive subject, offering a vital, albeit harrowing, account of global failures.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its rigorous and deeply personal investigation into the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Applauded for its courageous and dual-perspective examination of how misinformation and political factors exacerbated the crisis in both China and the US.

  • Hailed as a vital and impactful documentary that challenges official narratives and underscores the human cost of the pandemic.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly praised 'In the Same Breath' for its powerful and eye-opening look at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many found the film to be incredibly important and well-researched, appreciating its balanced portrayal of events in both China and the United States. Viewers often commented on the emotional impact of the documentary and its ability to foster a deeper understanding of the crisis.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 37th Independent Spirit Awards.

Fun Fact

Director Nanfu Wang began filming the documentary on her phone while she and her family were in China during the initial outbreak, capturing raw, immediate footage.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots

Louisa Moore - S...

“In the Same Breath” is a timely documentary that gives an insider look at the origins of the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19. Filmmaker Nanfu Wang criticizes the missteps officials took in the early stages of the pandemic and the governmen...