Breaking Surface (2020)

The premise of "Breaking Surface" was something that intrigued me right away and the start also was very promising. But the more the film got going, the more I felt like something was lacking. In a way this one felt like the first "47 Meters Down", minus the sharks of course, and it tackles more on the accidents that could occur when diving. But somehow I wasn't all that invested in the events taking place on the screen as I should have been. In a way it felt like at some point the film didn't pick me up for the rest of the ride and so I can tip my hat towards the general idea of this film, but I wouldn't exactly recommend it to someone who wants to see a film with divers in trouble. Unless the person in question has literally seen everything else already. This on top being a Swedish/Norwegian film, the audience internationally might not get too crowded to see this and also most of the actors (including the two leads Moa Gammel and Madeleine Martin) here seem to not have made an immensely big name for themselves... well, at least outside of their home countries maybe. Solely Trine Wiggen rang a bell, since she was to be seen in "Cold Prey III" (yeah, I know...) and as of late also in "Cadaver". Be it as it may, this film has its moments, but unfortunately too few to really become memorable.

A diving film that does the job. 'Breaking Surface' doesn't set up its characters all that well, though once underwater the stakes are very much felt and the dangers that exist are made apparent. It does get unsettling in parts. Moa Gammel Ginsburg and Madeleine Martin are good value, though the former's Ida isn't as likeable as she ought to be; written a bit iffily. This movie does offer some stunning visuals of the local landscapes. All in all, I'd say it's worth watching. The short 82 minute run time also ensures that events don't drag.