Breathe Review

Breathe is based on true romance of Robin and Diana Cavendish portrayed by Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy respectively. Breathe shows the rise of Robin and Diana’s life. During a trip to Africa, Robin contracted polio at the age of 28. Polio is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system causing permanent paralysis from the neck down. Bedridden and with only months left to live, Robin, with help from his family, friends and inventor Teddy Hall devotes the rest of his life to help the other disabled people across the world. Robin goes on to be the longest survivor of the polio virus. Polio has affected more than 350,000 people worldwide. Fortunately, nowadays Polio is not nearly as widespread as it once was.

With Andy Serkis on the helm, Breathe was well put together, I just feel like it could have told the build-up of Robin and Diana relationship a little slower. It just feels like they saw each other, then they were married. I was hoping for a little to show how they truly loved and fell in love with each other. Breathe was shot well, easy on the eyes, and told a beautiful story of true love. The chemistry between Garfield and Foy was good, throw in the supporting cast, and you have an alright cast. There were time skips and some scenes that didn’t make any sense. With some characters that were never introduced, they just showed up randomly. Breathe was hard to follow at times. But, you could always feel the emotion the scene was trying to push.

It was nice to follow the Cavendish family on their journey, and the obstacles they overcame. Not only the marriage and raising a child aspects of life but also being paralyzed and the struggles that come from that itself. I had not heard of Robin and his story before the film. I must say I am glad this film came out and could help paint a picture of what Polio was like when it was widespread.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy did an excellent job representing the Cavendish family. Watching Breathe will showcase how bad the Polio virus was, but also shows how strong the love between Robin and Diana. Breathe is nice romance that will bring joy and tears to the audience.

If you’re looking to learn a little bit, and spend a day with your partner crying and smiling in the theatre I would say this is the film for you. Although the story is good and the main actors did a good job in roles they were given, Breathe was average, the build up before Robin getting polio was done poorly and felt incomplete.

Breathe Review at Theater with Standard Viewing
Screening Provided by TARO PR

Rating Overall: 5.5