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!

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.

One of the most jaw-dropping aspects of BREATHE is how many incredible actors were brought together for this project. It's rare to see this level of talent all in one place, especially in an indie film. From Brandon Butler, who you might recognize from 13 Reasons Why, to Blue Kimble (P-Valley), Allison McAtee, and the Hoffman brothers, each actor brings something unique to the table, and it's clear that Director Tabiyus knew exactly how to get the best out of them.

What's impressive is how well this ensemble fits together, despite coming from such diverse acting backgrounds. You have actors from soap operas, network TV, streaming platforms, and even stage-all blending seamlessly into this gritty crime drama. I couldn't help but marvel at how cohesive the film felt, even with all these big personalities on screen. And it's not just about star power; these performances are grounded, raw, and emotional. Each actor seems perfectly suited to their role, and the result is nothing short of astonishing.

For me, what really stood out was how every actor, regardless of screen time, had their moment to shine. Whether it's Jesse Howland bringing depth to Alex Brady or Remington Hoffman as Brian Yune, no character feels wasted. You can tell that each actor took the time to truly inhabit their character, making even the smallest moments resonate. The way these performances intersect and bounce off each other is a testament to both the cast's chemistry and Tabiyus's direction.

It's not often that a film can juggle so many talented actors without one overshadowing the other, but BREATHE pulls it off effortlessly. This isn't just a collection of performances it's a masterclass in ensemble acting. Every character adds a new layer to the story, and by the end of the film, you're left in awe of the sheer talent that was packed into this one movie.

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.

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!