FILM REVIEWS:
JUST BREATHE (USA 2024) ***
Written and directed by Paul P. Pompa II
When the advice “Just breathe” is given to someone, that someone is either:
- suffering from some panic anxiety
- lost it and needs to cool his or her temper.
The title JUST BREATHE refers to the latter, as when the film begins, the protagonist Nick has just been fired from his job for punching up his supervisor (not seen on screen). This causes problems with him and his girl, Mel. Nick intends to propose to her and sets up an expensive dinner date at a posh restaurant, only to overhear two servers laughing at their country bumpkin ways in the bathroom. Nick beats one of them to a comatose state, resulting in his arrest and imprisonment. In the meantime, Mel loses her apartment, and they break up. But Nick pursues her and pursues her despite his angry temperament.
The above scenario is a perfect classic case study for anger management. Nick knows better but cannot control himself. So what can he do?
JUST BREATHE aims at being a tense crime thriller that combines raw intensity with profound emotional depth, resulting in a compelling narrative that lingers long after the credits roll. The film follows Nick Bianco (Kyle Gallner), who plans to rebuild his life and win back the love of his life after a year spent in prison for assault. Upon his release, Nick learns that the target of his affections has another admirer, Chester (Shawn Ashmore), his no-nonsense parole officer. Nick soon finds himself caught in a gripping rivalry that threatens not only his second chance at love but also his chance to stay out of prison.
JUST BREATHE works during the first half of the film when the audience is unsure where the story leads and when the premises are set up. Once done, the film falls into cliche territory (during the second half), so that what transpires is expected with little surprises after, though the ending is neatly closed.
The film covers issues like anger management, father and son relationship, a couple’s relationship amidst insurmountable troubles, and a fate that does not good to anyone in the story.
Actor Kyle Gallner is sufficiently credible in the title role, playing a character that one both loves and hates. The villain of the piece is Chester, Nick’s parole officer, who is also involved with shady activities in the clichéd storyline. The casting of a clean-cut Ashmore aids in the storytelling.
There is hardly any action or suspense in what is basically a story of the redemption of a guy given the bad hand of fate, as well as a destructive personality. It is a hard sell for a movie, and it is a surprise that the movie got the go-ahead.
JUST BREATHE is entertaining enough as a low-budget film for undemanding audiences. The difficulty of rooting for such a choleric protagonist who is self-destructive and uncontrollable is another flaw in a film where it is generally the case that a protagonist is a likable one.
JUST BREATHE will hit on-demand & digital on September 16, 2025.
(Trailer unavailable)
