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Breath

Play trailer 2:01 Poster for Breath 2018 1h 55m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 49 Reviews 74% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
In the 1970s, in a remote corner of the Western Australian coast, two teenage boys, Pikelet and Loonie, are hungry for discovery. The pair form an unlikely friendship with Sando, a mysterious older surfer and adventurer who pushes the boys to take risks that will have a lasting and profound impact on their lives.
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Breath

Breath

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Critics Consensus

A coming of age drama with a surfing twist, Breath navigates seemingly familiar waters -- but has surprising depth below the surface.

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Critics Reviews

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Johanna Schneller Globe and Mail Aug 24, 2018
3/4
Baker proves himself a talented director; he manages the rolling rhythms of his waves and his story with skill... Go to Full Review Steve Davis Austin Chronicle Jun 14, 2018
3/5
As odd as it may initially seem, The Endless Summer becomes Summer of '42, and Breath reveals itself to be the coming-of-age story it's been all along. Go to Full Review Robert Abele Los Angeles Times Jun 7, 2018
Baker keenly captures the beckoning magnetism of active waters, not to mention the searching souls - young and experienced - who gravitate toward its dangers. Go to Full Review Richard Crouse Richard Crouse Mar 4, 2021
3.5/5
An enjoyably but languidly paced film that captures the slower pace of life in 1970s Australia. Go to Full Review Peter Gray The AU Review Feb 15, 2020
4/5
It's purposely low-key, but it thrives on deflecting expectation and wallowing in its own ethereal state. Go to Full Review Rita Cannon Battleship Pretension Jul 26, 2019
Despite a dearth of concrete dramatic developments, Breath is saturated throughout with foreboding. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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James D @Skedawg Jan 1, 2026 This "coming of age " film with a surfing background is top notch. I enjoy viewing surfing be it on YouTube or a theatrical release. I surfed a bit as a young man, and had I remained near the ocean I likely would have continued to ride the waves and become proficient. I love watching those that are. Simon Baker is a real surfer as are his two young leads lending "Breath" a gravitas most surfing endeavors lack. Surfing is what I find most appealing about this entertaining film. That being said it is a smooth film otherwise with some interesting characters that seem real; there are no over the top family teeth grinding scenes just mild disagreements and dissension. "Big Wednesday" is a Hollywood surf movie I like a lot and if you do as well you'll enjoy "Breath", it is that good. See more Jonathan F @RT98451601 Aug 30, 2025 This is a beautifully realised journey of a film, it finds a delicate but perfectly balanced and paced approach to the story, celebrating Surfing and the starkly awesome vagaries of nature with an unflinching journey through adolescence. The cinematography is so well thought for the story and every element in the construction of the film is expertly judged. Loved it, bravo Simon Baker and all involved. See more Janine @RT29815103 Jan 27, 2024 Beautifully shot with flawless acting by all of the actors. The casting is perfect. Fantastic to see Tim Winton's wonderful book brought to the screen with such finesse. A thoroughly enjoyable movie with an undercurrent of wisdom. See more Rhianna J @RT13734627 Jul 11, 2023 I read this book in my teens and couldn't put it down, I felt the film brought it to life in such a magical way. Bravo Simon Baker. See more May 20, 2021 Clunky script ("you larve ya chops"), direction and performances that suffers in striving for authenticity and relies heavily on well worn Austraaaaaaliana and tired movie standards. See more May 13, 2021 Great film, beautiful landscapes, fantastic sound, ambience in keeping with the 70s, beautiful performance by Simon Baker, as always, and a pleasant surprise in the performance of the boys. Only the time of the film could have a little more rhythm. See more Read all reviews
Breath

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Cast & Crew

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Simon Baker

Director

Simon Baker

Sando

Samson Coulter

Pikelet

Ben Spence

Loonie

Elizabeth Debicki

Eva

Richard Roxburgh

Mr. Pike

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Breath

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Breath

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Movie Info

Synopsis In the 1970s, in a remote corner of the Western Australian coast, two teenage boys, Pikelet and Loonie, are hungry for discovery. The pair form an unlikely friendship with Sando, a mysterious older surfer and adventurer who pushes the boys to take risks that will have a lasting and profound impact on their lives.
Director
Simon Baker
Producer
Jamie Hilton, Mark Johnson
Screenwriter
Gerard Lee, Tim Winton
Distributor
FilmRise
Production Co
FilmRise, Screen Australia, Embankment Films, Gran Via Productions, See Pictures
Genre
Drama
Original Language
Australian English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 1, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 5, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA)
$34.1K
Runtime
1h 55m
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