Breathe: A Tabiyus Film

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!

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!

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's BREATHE is a compelling dive into the dark, intertwined lives of characters struggling to escape their pasts while navigating present-day dangers. The film focuses on Craig London, a young man battling addiction, and his attempts to reconcile with his estranged family, all while navigating the influence of a dangerous criminal world. At its heart, BREATHE explores themes of family, survival, and the haunting grip of trauma.

The film weaves together multiple character arcs, each bringing its own intensity and emotional baggage to the table. From the volatile father-son relationship between Craig and his abusive, alcoholic father, Max, to the gang-infested world that Brian and James find themselves entangled in, the stakes always feel high. Tabiyus masterfully uses this tension to maintain a sense of urgency and suspense throughout the film.

What stands out most in BREATHE is its authenticity. The raw emotions, sharp dialogue, and genuine portrayal of addiction and familial dysfunction make the characters feel painfully real. The interactions between characters like Craig and his father are heartbreaking and visceral, leaving the audience caught between empathy and frustration. The ensemble cast delivers powerful performances that heighten the emotional gravity of the story, particularly in the moments where they confront their inner demons.

However, BREATHE isn't just a family drama-it's also a crime thriller. The gritty, dangerous world of drug deals, gang confrontations, and violent turf wars bring a palpable tension that keeps viewers on edge. Xzavion, the menacing antagonist, adds a layer of unpredictability that raises the stakes for Craig, Brian, and James as they try to navigate their respective paths.

A potential drawback is the sprawling narrative, with multiple storylines unfolding at once. However, BREATHE handles this complexity well. Strong character development and tight pacing keep the arcs easy to follow, making the layered storytelling feel both engaging and essential.

Overall, BREATHE is a striking and emotional film that blends family drama with the grittiness of a crime thriller. Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV has crafted a narrative that holds nothing back, showcasing the difficult choices people must make to survive-while still holding out hope for redemption. If you're a fan of intense, character-driven stories with real stakes, BREATHE is definitely worth the watch.

Yo, BREATHE just brought back my faith in indie films! This movie doesn't just have named talent (yeah, there's some seriously dope names in here like Brandon Butler and Blue Kimble who CRUSH it), but it's the newer faces that really make you fall in love with film all over again.

Jona Dominguez? This dude is FIRE as Lucas Hernandez. Every time he's on screen, you feel it. He's the kind of actor that makes you want to dive into more indie films because you KNOW you've discovered something special before the rest of the world catches on. Jeff Rose as Victor brings all the emotional weight, and watching him go toe-to-toe with these fresh talents is magic. And let's not forget Blue Kimble, who gives serious edge as Xzavion, playing that role with the kind of swagger you can't teach.

And Danube Hermosillo as Ariela? Nailed it. She brought so much heart and authenticity to her scenes. The diversity in BREATHE is not just there for show-it's baked into the core of the story. It feels real, like these characters actually exist in a world that's messy, chaotic, and very relatable. The mix of fresh and seasoned actors gives this movie a unique flavor, making it stand out from the usual crime drama fare.

Seriously, this movie is a reminder that the best films make you feel. Whether it's intense moments, quiet scenes, or just straight-up killer performances, BREATHE has it all. This is what indie cinema is all about.