“Last Breath” is a 2025 survival thriller directed by Alex Parkinson, known for his 2019 documentary of the same name. Based on a true story, the movie dramatizes a deep-sea diving accident that happened in 2012. It focuses on diver Chris Lemons (Finn Cole), who gets stuck 300 feet underwater with little air. In the story, the dangerous nature of saturation diving and the amazing efforts made to save Lemons are shown.
Starring Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, Finn Cole, and Cliff Curtis, Last Breath hit theaters on February 28, 2025, with Focus Features handling distribution in the U.S. The film has received positive reviews for its tension-filled storytelling and breathtaking underwater visuals. Let’s take a closer look at where this intense survival drama was filmed!
Where Was Last Breath Filmed?
The 2025 survival thriller Last Breath takes you deep into the chilling North Sea, but the magic of moviemaking didn’t all happen in one spot. Director Alex Parkinson and his team globe-trotted to bring this true story to life, filming in real-world locations that amp up the tension and authenticity. From the wild waves of the North Sea to the sun-soaked shores of Malta and the rugged coast of Scotland, here’s where they set up shop—and why these places made the cut.
The North Sea: The Real Deal
The movie kicked off production right where the real drama unfolded: the North Sea. The team filmed on the actual dive support vessel involved in Chris Lemons’s 2012 ordeal, giving the movie a raw, you-are-there vibe.
Director Alex Parkinson couldn’t resist the authenticity, saying, “We started in the North Sea because it’s the heart of this story—those icy waters don’t mess around, and we needed that real grit on screen.” They spent about a month battling choppy seas and unpredictable weather, capturing the kind of footage that makes you feel the cold through the screen.
Trivia Time: The North Sea’s moody waves have starred in other projects too! Think The Perfect Storm (2000), where George Clooney fought monster waves, or the gritty oil rig scenes in Deepwater Horizon (2016). It’s a go-to spot for anything nautical and nail-biting.
Malta: The Mediterranean Stand-In
After braving the North Sea, the crew headed to Malta, a tiny Mediterranean island that’s a filmmaker’s dream. Most of the underwater action—about 90% of the movie—was shot here, thanks to the Malta Film Studios’ massive water tanks. These controlled setups let Simu Liu and Finn Cole dive into their roles (literally) without facing the North Sea’s wrath.
Producer Stuart Le Marechal raved about it, saying, “Malta’s water tanks were a game-changer—perfect for getting those intense underwater shots without risking frostbite!” The island’s sunny weather and skilled local crew didn’t hurt either.
Trivia Time: Malta’s a Hollywood hotspot! Gladiator (2000) turned Fort Ricasoli into ancient Rome, Troy (2004) brought Brad Pitt to its Blue Lagoon, and Game of Thrones used Mdina as King’s Landing. Even Jurassic World: Dominion (2022) let dinosaurs loose in Valletta. Talk about a versatile backdrop!
Scotland: The Coastal Closer
Filming wrapped up in Scotland, where the team shot coastal scenes to tie the story together. Finn Cole trudged along the rugged shoreline, and the crew used a dive support vessel fresh from the North Sea to keep things real.
Parkinson loved the vibe, noting, “Scotland’s wild coast gave us that final punch—these stark, beautiful cliffs just scream survival.” It’s where the movie’s emotional beats hit hardest, with the landscape adding a moody, windswept feel.
Trivia Time: Scotland’s no stranger to the big screen. Skyfall (2012) showcased its misty highlands for James Bond, Harry Potter flew over Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Braveheart (1995) painted its hills with epic battles. It’s a cinematic treasure trove!
When Did the Filming of Last Breath Take Place?
Principal photography for Last Breath began in May 2023 in Malta and ran through July 2023. Given the intensive underwater sequences, the production utilized some of the best diving teams and water-based filming infrastructure available on the island.
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Last Breath Plot Summary
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be trapped 300 feet under the ocean with no air, Last Breath brings that nightmare to life. This 2025 survival thriller, directed by Alex Parkinson, is based on the jaw-dropping true story of Chris Lemons (played by Finn Cole), a deep-sea saturation diver who gets caught in a freak accident while working on an oil pipeline in the stormy North Sea back in 2012.
The movie kicks off by introducing us to Chris and his tight-knit crew—Duncan Allcock (Woody Harrelson) and David Yuasa (Simu Liu)—who live in a cramped, pressurized chamber for weeks at a time, descending to the ocean floor in a diving bell to do their high-risk jobs. Everything continues as usual until a massive equipment failure severes Chris’s umbilical lifeline, the cord responsible for pumping oxygen, heat, and communication from the surface. Suddenly, he’s alone in the freezing, pitch-black depths with just a tiny backup oxygen tank meant to last five minutes.
Up top, Duncan and David scramble to save him, battling rough seas and their own panic. The film doesn’t shy away from the tension—every second feels like it could be Chris’s last. Against all odds, he survives over 30 minutes down there, way longer than science says he should’ve, thanks to sheer grit and his team’s refusal to give up. Flashbacks add emotional depth, highlighting Chris’s relationship with his fiancée and the importance of returning home.
Behind The Scenes of Last Breath
Director Alex Parkinson, who’d already tackled this tale in his 2019 documentary, stepped into his first narrative feature with a clear vision: keep it real, keep it tense. Filming kicked off in Malta, a go-to spot for underwater shoots thanks to its crystal-clear waters and top-notch facilities. The crew built massive sets to mimic the North Sea’s murky depths and the claustrophobic diving bell, pulling audiences right into the action.
The cast—Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, and Finn Cole—didn’t just show up and act. They went through weeks of intense dive training to nail the physicality of saturation diving. Finn Cole, who plays stranded diver Chris Lemons, spent hours underwater mastering the bulky gear, calling it “scary but fun” in a Newsweek chat. Harrelson and Liu, playing crewmates Duncan Allcock and David Yuasa, worked with real divers on set to get every move right. Parkinson even brought in Chris Lemons himself as a consultant—talk about keeping it authentic! Posts on X from the time buzzed about the cast meeting their real-life counterparts, adding extra heart to the prep.
Shooting underwater wasn’t all smooth sailing. The team battled tricky currents and equipment glitches, but cinematographer Jon Borg captured stunning, gritty visuals that make you feel the cold and pressure. Focus Features, the studio behind it all, leaned into practical effects over CGI wherever possible, giving Last Breath its raw edge. Released on February 28, 2025, this 93-minute nail-biter proves teamwork—on-screen and off—can conquer anything.
Last Breath Cast Details
– Woody Harrelson as Duncan Allcock
– Simu Liu as David Yuasa
– Finn Cole as Chris Lemons
– Cliff Curtis as Captain Andre Jenson
– Mark Bonnar as Craig
– MyAnna Buring as Hanna
– Bobby Rainsbury as Morag (Chris’ fiancée)
– Josef Altin as Mike
Last Breath Official Trailer
The official trailer for Last Breath showcases the intense underwater survival sequences and the gripping real-life drama that unfolds. Watch the trailer here:
Filmed in the stunning locations of Malta, the movie brings authenticity and excitement to every scene. If you’re a fan of survival thrillers, make sure to check out Last Breath and explore the real-life locations that brought this gripping story to life!
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