Breaking Surface

Breaking Surface is an intense 2020 Scandinavian survival thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seat from start to finish. Directed and written by Joachim Hedén, who is known for his adept handling of character-focused narratives, the film is an emotional roller coaster ride set in a visually striking but brutally unforgiving underwater environment.

The story centers on two half-sister divers, Ida (Moa Gammel) and Tuva (Madeleine Martin), who decide to enjoy a winter dive in the Norwegian fjords during the Christmas holidays. Tuva is the more experienced, confident diver of the two, while Ida carries an unresolved emotional baggage which subtly informs their dynamic. However, their serene vacation quickly turns into a nightmare as a rockslide traps Tuva underwater. With no help in sight and conditions rapidly deteriorating, Ida must confront her deepest fears and summon up the courage to launch a desperate rescue mission in the freezing, dark depths.

Breaking Surface is a unique film that combines the thrill and tension of the survival genre with a profound exploration of sibling relationships characterized by rivalry, guilt, and deep-seated love. The dynamics between Ida and Tuva are at the heart of the narrative, providing an emotional grounding for the underwater adventure. Gammel and Martin deliver compelling performances, bringing the complex emotions and evolving dynamics of their relationship to life.

The claustrophobic, isolated backdrop of an icy Scandinavian winter is almost a character in itself within the narrative. The natural harshness and beauty of the winter ocean blurs the lines between danger and tranquility, transforming the act of diving into an experience that is both meditative and terrifying. The film's suspense is heightened by the stark contrast between the tranquil snow-covered landscape and the stifling darkness lurking beneath the water surface.

Known for her roles in independent Swedish films, Moa Gammel delivers a superb performance as Ida, exuding both vulnerability and strength. Madeleine Martin, on the other hand, convincingly portrays the hardy and fearless Tuva, giving a full-bodied performance that brings much nuance and depth to her character. The two actors' performances complement each other, magnifying the emotional tension and stakes of the narrative.

Supporting actress Trine Wiggen adds another compelling layer to the story as the mother of the two sisters. Wiggen imbues her character with a palpable sense of history and emotional complexity, contributing to the overall family drama and tension.

Cinematographer Eric Borjeson has done an impressive job in this film, highlighting the inhospitable yet beautiful underwater world. The film's underwater shots are stunningly picturesque and chillingly atmospheric, a testament to the harsh realities of nature. The camerawork significantly contributes to the film's claustrophobic vibe, reminding the audience of the omnipresent danger lurking beneath the tranquility of the underwater world.

Breaking Surface is more than just an underwater adventure. The movie is also a keenly observed study of sisterhood, packaged within a crippling survival tale. While the film capitalizes on the enthralling potential of its premise by spinning a hair-raising, edge-of-the-seat thriller, it also delves deep into the characters' history and relationships, offering viewers an intimate look at the complexities and bonds of sisterhood.

Scored by Philippe Boix-Vives, the film's music matches the stunning cinematic visuals and intense action sequences, enhancing the overall suspense and generating a bone-chilling atmosphere that's hard to shake.

Overall, Breaking Surface is an emotional and physical survival story that plunges viewers into a freezing, underwater world full of danger and beauty. It combines a gripping narrative with phenomenal performances and beautiful cinematography, ensuring a cinematic experience that will stick with viewers long after the end credits roll. In a year dominated by pandemic-related restrictions, Breaking Surface manages to capture the feeling of isolation and the human instinct for survival in a truly captivating way.