Breath

Breath, a 2017 film directed by Simon Baker, is a stirring coming-of-age drama that paints a vivid picture of the challenges and thrill of adolescence, along with an exploration of the human spirit set amidst the vast expanse of the Australian coastline. It features a compelling trifecta of performances from Samson Coulter, Ben Spence, and Simon Baker himself, who all bring an enraptured sense of authenticity to their respective roles.

The film unfolds in the small rural town of Sawyer in Western Australia during the 1970s, where it primarily chronicles the lives and events of two teenage boys, Pikelet (Samson Coulter) and Loonie (Ben Spence). Being best friends and adventure enthusiasts, they find shared joy in the exhilarating risks of their adventures while biking or swimming, burgeoning with the inherent audacity of youth. However, their lives take a markedly distinct turn when they encounter Sando (Simon Baker), a retired professional surfer, who ushers them into the world of surfing.

The boys, drawn by the surf's powerful allure and the rebellious charm of Sando, plunge headlong into the thrilling yet formidable realm of big-wave surfing. But this is not just a movie about surfing. Director Simon Baker adeptly tackles themes of friendship, rebellion, fear, and obsession, and infuses them in the story's overarching surfing narrative. The ocean and its enormous waves serve as more than just a picturesque backdrop; they act as a metaphorical monster, testing the boys' courage, pushing their physical limits and triggering their emotional and psychological metamorphosis.

Simon Baker and the young leading duo of Coulter and Spence breathe life into their characters with commendable performances. Pikelet and Loonie, despite their shared love for thrill and adventure, are distinctly different characters. Pikelet is more sensitive and reflective, while Loonie is rebellious and unrestrained. Baker's Sando is the fascinating amalgamation of a daredevil, mentor, and an enigmatic figure who has his complex and disquieting aura. The relationship dynamics between these three characters form the crux of the movie and evolve as they confront their personal demons, fears, and transformation.

One of the film’s most commendable aspects is its cinematography. It beautifully captures the wild charm and tempestuous nature of the Australian landscape and sea, which almost become a character in their own right in the film. The surfing sequences are shot with a breathtaking finesse, that subtly echo the characters' inner battles. Besides the stunning visuals, the film also boasts a profound and poetic screenplay, which is no surprise as it's based on a Man Booker prize-shortlisted novel by Tim Winton.

The narrative rhythm of Breath succeeds in expressing the unpredictability of adolescence mirrored in the ebbs and flows of the ocean. The silence has as much weightage as the spoken dialogue, offering us insights into the minds of the young protagonists. It explores adrenaline rush breaking up the inertia of mundane life of the small town and Sando's philosophical surfing 'lessons' also contribute to forming a nuanced understanding of the characters' internal and external journeys.

Breath is not just a film; it’s an immersive sensory experience that delves deep into the nuanced spectrum of human emotions. From the resilience in the face of fear, the intoxicating charm of rebellion, the virtue of the mentor-mentee relationship to the powerful surge of raw emotions, it explores it all. Through a finely balanced blend of stunning cinematic poetry and an equally credible ensemble cast, Breath constitutes an engrossing watch.

The movie expertly straddles the line between sports cinema and a deeply emotional coming-of-age film. It is a meditation on growing up, laden with the complex truths that accompany vulnerability, maturing, and passion. Director Simon Baker, with his keen eye for depth and detail, has crafted a beautiful narrative that reaches out and touches the viewer's heart. And most certainly, Breath leaves you feeling just that – breathless.