Given the buzz at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, you may have already heard of “The Deepest Breath.” Directed and written by Laura McGann, this documentary profiles Italian freediver Alessia Zecchini on her quest to break a world record with the help of safety diver Stephan Keenan.
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Freediving, while sounding thrilling, is a dangerous extreme sport in which competitors attempt to reach the greatest depth without using scuba gear. Freedivers are often subject to blackouts upon ascent, necessitating the help of safety divers, ala Keenan. So “The Deepest Breath” is essentially the story of these two people, their obsession with this sport, and how their fates are inextricably bound together.
Here’s the official synopsis:
This thrilling documentary tells the story of champion freediver Alessia Zecchini and expert safety diver Stephen Keenan, who seemed fated to meet at the height of their careers. Raw underwater dive footage and extensive interviews bring viewers along for their emotional journey into the stunning, silent depths of the ocean, a breathtaking place unseen by all but the fortunate few — where exhilarating accomplishments and unavoidable risks await. From director Laura McGann, The Deepest Breath captures the gripping mix of destiny and danger at the heart of two athletes’ undeniable bond and offers a never-before-seen glimpse into one of the most dangerous sports in the world.
Netflix picked up “The Deepest Breath” after Sundance, which is an A24, Motive Films, and Ventureland Production, so you know it has a certain pedigree behind it. Netflix releases the doc in select theaters on July 14 and streams it on the service on July 19. Watch the official trailer below.
