Breathe: A Tabiyus Film

The opening scene of BREATHE hit like a punch to the gut. I wasn't expecting the raw intensity of that moment, and it set the tone for the entire film. Brandon Butler's portrayal of Craig London is haunting from the get-go, but what really stayed with me was how Amber L. DeVos and Barry Piacente as Christa and Max London play off each other. You can feel the weight of their broken relationship suffocating their son, and it's hard to watch without feeling a pang of sadness for him.

There's something about the way the scene is shot the dim lighting, the claustrophobic feel of the room that draws you in immediately. Without giving too much away, it's the kind of opening that leaves you with more questions than answers, which is exactly why it works. You're not just watching a family fall apart; you're seeing the first cracks that will ripple through the entire movie. It's emotionally charged without being melodramatic, and I found myself thinking about that moment throughout the rest of the film.

What makes this opening so effective is that it doesn't rely on flashy visuals or loud drama. It's the quiet moments-the glance between parents, the silent confusion of their child-that sets the stage for everything that follows. In just a few minutes, we are introduced to themes of addiction, trauma, and broken relationships that will carry the film forward, all through the lens of a single family's tragedy.

This scene perfectly encapsulates what BREATHE does so well throughout the movie: it shows rather than tells. You're not spoon-fed the characters' backstories, but you can feel their history in every look, every interaction. It's a testament to the film's ability to create an emotional connection with the audience right from the start, leaving you eager to see where the story will take you.

Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV proves himself to be a true creative powerhouse in BREATHE. Taking on multiple roles as director, writer, producer, lead actor, casting director, and even contributing to the soundtrack, Nah's vision is the driving force behind the film's success. His ability to weave complex storylines into a cohesive, emotionally charged narrative speaks to his multifaceted talent.

Nah's portrayal of James Reed anchors the film with quiet strength. James is the moral compass in a world teetering on the edge of chaos, and Nah plays him with understated intensity. His performance shines in moments of stillness, where James tries to guide his best friend Craig (Brandon Butler) away from addiction. The emotional weight of these scenes is palpable, with Nah conveying James's frustration and quiet hope in every interaction.

As a director, Nah demonstrates a remarkable gift for pacing. BREATHE is a slow-burn crime drama, but the tension never lets up. He masterfully balances quieter, character-driven moments with high-stakes sequences, creating a dynamic narrative flow that holds the audience's attention throughout. Nah's control over the film's tone-from introspective scenes to moments of explosive action-speaks to his strength as a storyteller.

In addition to his work on screen, Nah's casting instincts are impeccable. The ensemble, featuring standout performances from Blue Kimble (Xzavion), Jona Dominguez (Lucas Hernandez), and Allison McAtee (Kendal Macario), reflects Nah's ability to bring together a diverse, talented cast. Each actor shines under Nah's direction, with performances that are grounded in authenticity and emotional depth.

Nah also played a pivotal role in the film's music, contributing the single "Revolution" to the soundtrack. The song serves as an emotional undercurrent to the film, amplifying its themes of survival and struggle. Nah's involvement in every facet of the production underscores his dedication to creating a fully immersive cinematic experience.

Ultimately, BREATHE is a testament to Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV's talents as a filmmaker. His ability to balance the demands of directing, acting, writing, producing, and music creation is nothing short of remarkable. Nah's vision drives the film, making BREATHE a standout indie project that lingers long after the credits roll.

I had the pleasure of attending the premier of this film and it was beautiful! The way the lives of these LA citizens were woven while also displaying the director's own artistic choices was amazing. The film takes you through a journey from beginning to end, questioning who these people are and why we should care about them, to ultimately leaving us in silence and letting us think about our own lives. This film especially resonated with me having been raised in LA and seeing firsthand many of the same streets, people, situations. To be heard and seen is to be known, to be known is to be loved. 10 stars for this film I hope everyone takes the time to sit down and watch!

Allison McAtee's portrayal of Kendal Macario in *Breathe* is nothing short of a revelation... a masterclass in emotional restraint and nuanced performance. As Kendal, a woman who is quietly holding her family together while battling her own personal demons, McAtee brings a depth and complexity to the role that's often missing in contemporary film. There's a quiet intensity to her work here, one that speaks volumes without the need for excessive dialogue. It's the kind of performance that lingers with you, not because it demands attention, but because it subtly demands your empathy.

In the quieter moments, McAtee shines brightest. A particularly memorable scene takes place over a seemingly innocuous dinner with her husband, Leone (Ottavio Lobefaro). There's no grand confrontation, no cathartic outburst, yet McAtee conveys so much in her stillness-the weight of years of unresolved pain, the fragility of a marriage teetering on the brink, and the quiet strength of a woman unwilling to let go. It's one of those rare cinematic moments where a single look or a fleeting gesture speaks louder than pages of dialogue.

The dynamic between McAtee and Lobefaro is electric in its subtlety. Their chemistry, fraught with unspoken tension, underscores the emotional crux of Kendal's journey. The failure of her marriage is not painted in broad strokes, but in delicate shades-McAtee's portrayal of a woman slowly unraveling, but never fully giving in to despair, is a testament to her skill. She never allows Kendal to become a victim, even when the emotional weight of her situation would justify it. Instead, McAtee gives us a character who is simultaneously fragile and resilient, trapped in the tension between vulnerability and strength.

What makes McAtee's performance so compelling is its quiet power. There's a fierce determination beneath Kendal's composed exterior, a resolve to keep her family together even as the walls begin to close in. The way McAtee balances these competing elements-vulnerability and determination, fragility and strength-makes Kendal's journey feel deeply personal and utterly relatable.

Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV's direction complements McAtee's work beautifully, allowing the character the space to breathe. His pacing is deliberate, ensuring that the emotional beats are earned, not rushed, which allows Kendal's story to unfold organically. The film's attention to the quiet moments-those reflective pauses where a character's inner turmoil is revealed through their actions rather than words-mirrors McAtee's understated performance. Together, they create a portrait of a woman who feels both timeless and profoundly real.

In *Breathe*, Allison McAtee delivers one of the most compelling performances of the year. She's able to do so much with so little, and in doing so, she creates a character whose emotional depth resonates long after the final frame. If there's one takeaway from this film, it's that sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones told in silence.

Man, BREATHE hit me differently. It's not just a movie-it's proof that Black creatives, like Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV, can push past the norms and create art that touches people everywhere, no matter who they are or where they come from. This film gave me everything I didn't know I needed: action, drama, and heart, all wrapped up in a story that makes you feel something real.

Tabiyus Nah IV, as both the director, producer and actor, put his heart into this film, and it shows. What's truly fresh about BREATHE is how it reflects the idea that our choices are like ripples-affecting not just ourselves but everyone around us. The film doesn't shy away from the fact that even good people can find themselves in bad situations, and it asks hard questions about what it really means to survive and thrive. It hits you deep, making you reflect on your own life choices and their far-reaching consequences.

Honestly, this film is more than just a movie-it's a moment for Black creatives breaking past expectations and showing the world what's possible. BREATHE is a solid indie film by an even greater talent. Congrats to Tabiyus on creating something special-can't wait to see what's next!