Breathe

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.

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.

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!