A Breath Away

A Breath Away is a thrilling 2018 French drama directed by Daniel Roby, led by an exceptional cast including Romain Duris, Olga Kurylenko, and Fantine Harduin. The movie, known as 'Dans la brume' in France, offers a unique blend of riveting science fiction and family drama, while exploring underlying themes of survival, sacrifice, and love against all odds.

The storyline focuses on the chaotic and suddenly transformed lives of the protagonists, Mathieu (Romain Duris) and Anna (Olga Kurylenko), a young couple residing in modern day Paris. They lead a seemingly normal life with their sick daughter Sarah (Fantine Harduin) who is affected by a rare genetic disorder. Everything takes a terrifying turn when the city of Paris is suddenly engulfed by a deadly, unearthly fog.

This ominous fog, originating from an underground seismic activity, rapidly engulfs the city, killing everyone it comes into contact with, forcing citizens to take refuge on their rooftops. The middle-class family quickly finds themselves caught in this apocalyptic event. The danger levels escalate when the fog starts to rise, forcing them to higher ground. Surrounded by silent yet deadly mist, Mathieu and Anna are plunged into stunningly rendered scenes of desolation and must strive to navigate through a fast-emptying Paris.

Alongside a desperate race for survival, the film seizes this moment of calamity to test parental love and sacrifice. The fact that Sarah suffers from a genetic disorder that confines her to a pressure-sealed glass room spices up the narrative as the family now not only has to ensure their safety from the fog but also deliver their daughter’s life-saving equipment. The parents must risk everything to ensure that Sarah remains protected within her hermetically sealed bubble that insulates her from the fog and the horrors it brings. Their love for their daughter and the desperate desire to keep her safe adds a stirring emotional layer to the terrifying reality of an inexplicable natural disaster.

Kudos to Romain Duris and Olga Kurylenko for delivering compelling performances. Duris effortlessly portrays the dedicated and tenacious father, while Kurylenko depicts the loving mother who will face any danger for her daughter's safety. Fantine Harduin additionally does an excellent job of portraying the naive yet resilient Sarah.

Director Daniel Roby does a phenomenal job building and maintaining suspense throughout the movie. The eerie blanket of haze adds a thick layer of intensity to the already tense atmosphere, and the stylized aesthetics create a compelling backdrop for the story to unfold. The visuals are hauntingly beautiful, with misty Parisian streets and abandoned landmarks that eerily echo with the eerie silence of an apocalyptic event. These vivid, nerve-wracking visuals complement the tight-knit, personal drama of the family's struggle for survival, adding dramatically to the overall tension and emotional weight.

The atmospheric sound design and the hauntingly melancholic score also deserve a mention. They play a significant role in setting the mood of the film and are key to the story's overall haunting effect.

In summary, A Breath Away is a gripping disaster drama that fuses a thrilling fight for survival, a daunting exploration of a desolate Paris, and an emotional exploration of parental love. It's a film that captivates your senses and keeps you on the edge of your seat, thanks to its exceptional performances, stunning visuals, and an chillingly ominous soundtrack. The movie serves as an emotional roller-coaster, dragging viewers into a beautifully-rendered abyss and a palpable sense of impending doom while subtly reminding us of the unforgettable and enduring power of family and human spirit. It is indeed a must-watch for anyone who enjoys disaster movies that are not just rooted in special effects but are also layered with deep meaningful narratives and characters.